Israeli forces continue to operate within a self-declared security zone about 10 kilometers deep into southern Lebanon to protect northern Israeli communities, officials confirmed [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have publicly stated that Israeli troops will remain in the area as long as necessary to neutralize threats and defend Israeli citizens.
On June 21, Katz declared that "there have been no past, nor will there be, any restrictions on the operations of our defense forces to eliminate threats in Lebanon... Israel will not withdraw from the security zone" [5]. Netanyahu reiterated on the same day, "We will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect the cherished residents of the north and all the citizens of Israel... Nothing will alter that commitment" [6].
The presence of Israeli troops follows a recent ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia, which took effect from June 19 to 20 after months of escalating violence [1, 7]. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli strikes on June 20 targeted Hezbollah militants and their infrastructure, killing at least 20 people in Lebanon [1, 3].
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory with a specific timetable, rejecting the security zone maintained by Israel. Qassem stated, "Israel has no choice but to fully withdraw from all Lebanese territory, without retaining an inch" and described Israeli forces as occupiers who must leave Lebanon [7, 8, 9]. He further insisted, "以色列部队留在黎巴嫩土地上是不可能的。对以色列来说，没有安全区…我们有自己的国军负责部署，也负责维护主权，我们与他们合作。以色列是侵略者，必须离开" [9].
The United States and Iran recently signed a framework agreement and held talks in Switzerland aimed at halting the wider regional conflict. The discussions included calls to cease military actions in Lebanon [1, 2, 7, 10]. Iranian officials warned that ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon could undermine this agreement’s credibility [3, 4, 5].
Israeli officials have emphasized that the US has not requested Israel to remove troops from southern Lebanon. According to a source, Israeli leaders informed US officials that maintaining their presence is essential to protect northern Israeli residents [11]. Prime Minister Netanyahu also highlighted that Israel’s campaign aims to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stating, "Whatever political developments may unfold, I will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. As long as I serve as prime minister of Israel, that will not happen" [6].
Israel claims its operations have a relatively low civilian casualty rate, estimating that about five militants are killed for every one civilian casualty in Lebanese conflicts [6].
The ongoing military presence and security zone remain subjects of strong dispute between Israel and Hezbollah, with no signs of de-escalation. The situation is being monitored closely as diplomatic talks continue, with the framework agreement and regional ceasefire recently initiated on June 19-20 serving as the latest formal attempt to reduce hostilities [1, 7].
