Israel maintains southern Lebanon operations despite new agreement

Israel's military leadership approved continuing operations in southern Lebanon just two days after signing a trilateral framework agreement with Lebanon and the US.

Continued operations and clashes

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir approved plans for "continued operations" during a visit to the Northern Command, stating the army created conditions that made the agreement possible Source: eldiado. Meanwhile, a Hezbollah fighter killed an Israeli soldier in Deir Siryan, and Israel bombed Nabatieh, targeting Hezbollah militants Source: infobae. The agreement's security annex—not made public—envisions a gradual handover of two pilot zones to the Lebanese Armed Forces Source: emolcl. Netanyahu said Israel would withdraw from areas it "no longer needs to control" but insisted on maintaining a security zone Source: excelsiormx.

Divergent reactions

Netanyahu hailed the pact as a "historic" blow to Iran and Hezbollah Source: infobae. However, far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir called it a "great error," arguing Lebanon will not disarm Hezbollah Source: euronewses. Hezbollah leader Naim Qasem condemned the agreement as "humiliating, shameful," and declared it null and void Source: excelsiormx. The EU and France welcomed the deal, urging full implementation and Hezbollah's disarmament Source: excelsiormx.