Trump administration criticizes Israel defense minister’s statements on southern Lebanon occupation
DUBAI: The Trump administration has criticized Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s comments to keeps troops in southern Lebanon, as his declarations contravened commitments made by the Israeli government under the agreement signed with the US and Lebanon.
“The United States expects all parties to act in accordance with the framework agreement they have agreed upon, and Israel has clearly stated that it has no territorial aspirations in Lebanon,” Axios journalist Barak Ravid posted on social media, quoting a senior official in the US State Department.
“A permanent Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon is inconsistent with the commitments given in the framework agreement and does not align with the long-term peace and security of both countries.”
The senior US State Department official noted that the United States fully supports Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
