Israel Refuses Withdrawal
Israel's Defense Minister Katz says Israel will not withdraw from South Lebanon even if the US demands it
Follow Up: Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington ended their first day on Wed (Jun 24th) without progress ** Note: broader U.S.-Iran understandings reportedly included ending hostilities in Lebanon and respecting Lebanese territorial sovereignty.
The stance is contrary to U.S./ceasefire expectations for eventual Israeli withdrawal, but in line with recent Israeli messaging from Katz and Netanyahu that Israel will stay as long as it deems necessary for northern-border security.