Israel discusses continued troop presence in Lebanon with US after Iran deal: Reuters

CAIRO – 18 June 2026: Israel is holding talks with the United States over the future of its troop deployment in southern Lebanon, two Israeli officials told Reuters on Thursday.

The news comes a day after the US and Iranian presidents signed an interim agreement that calls for an "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon" and for “ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon.”

According to a senior Israeli official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel does not intend to alter its position and remains committed to keeping troops deployed south of Lebanon's Litani River.

A second Israeli official told Reuters that the outcome of the discussions could depend on whether US President Donald Trump decides to press Israel to comply with the terms of the interim agreement, including through potential diplomatic pressure.

Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected calls for a withdrawal from territories captured during the conflict.

Israel has expanded its military operations in southern Lebanon shortly after the start of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, with Hezbollah launching strikes on Israel in solidarity with Tehran.