Netanyahu Vows No Withdrawal From Lebanon Despite Potential US Pressure

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed a firm message to the Security Cabinet last week, stating that Israel will not retreat from its positions in Lebanon, even if it means facing direct pressure from the US administration. The discussion, reported by i24NEWS on Tuesday, took place during a comprehensive meeting focused on the future of the IDF's presence and operations in Lebanon.

During the session, Minister Avi Dichter warned Netanyahu that any Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory might be misinterpreted by Hamas. Minister Orit Strook supported this view, emphasizing that while Israel's current stance in Lebanon is a significant achievement, domestic critics, referred to as the "Four Mothers," are already mobilizing and exploiting every casualty to push for withdrawal, using the term "Lebanese mud".

Netanyahu responded sharply to these critics, questioning their audacity after the damage they caused. Minister Israel Katz added that even the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River remains a target, insisting that no tunnel should be left unexploded. Meanwhile, Minister Gideon Sa'ar urged caution to avoid widening gaps with the US, calling the bilateral relationship Israel's most valuable asset.

In response to reports of American demands for Israeli withdrawal from additional Lebanese areas, Netanyahu acknowledged the importance of maintaining good US relations but stressed limits: "I agree we must do a lot for this, but not everything, not at the expense of our interests or by retreating."