Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a news conference in Jerusalem on June 15, 2026. Netanyahu said on June 15 that he intended to run in elections scheduled for later this year, as he faced domestic criticism over his handling of the Middle East war and its aftermath. (Photo by RONEN ZVULUN / POOL / AFP)
Israel said Thursday that it would only withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon after Hezbollah was disarmed, as the two countries engaged in US-mediated talks in Washington.
The Israeli military has launched widespread airstrikes in Lebanon and sent troops into the country’s south after Hezbollah, the powerful militia backed by Iran, entered the Middle East war on the side of its patron in March.
“We will not withdraw our forces from southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah remains a threat, are not disarmed and are not demilitarised,” David Mencer, a government spokesman, said in a briefing to journalists.
Under US pressure, Lebanese officials began direct talks in April with Israel in Washington.
