Israel Says to Hold Lebanon 'Security Zone' Despite Iran Deal
"The security establishment is preparing for possible instructions from the political leadership to halt the ground offensive in southern Lebanon, given the emerging agreement between Washington and Tehran," a public broadcaster reported, citing those sources.
According to the same sources, Tel Aviv is also weighing a reduction in deep-strike operations inside Lebanese territory, driven by concerns that such attacks could undermine the fragile US-Iran diplomatic process.
"Military operations, however, will continue with a greater focus in the south," the sources said, before adding unequivocally: "The Israeli army will not withdraw from the security zone in southern Lebanon."
— Mounting Toll in Lebanon
The Israeli military has pressed on with its offensive in Lebanon since March 2, a campaign that Lebanese officials say has killed more than 3,700 people, wounded 11,600 others and uprooted over 1.5 million from their homes. Israeli forces have advanced more than 10 kilometers (6 miles) into Lebanese territory, establishing what Tel Aviv refers to as a "security zone."
— Netanyahu to Convene Security Cabinet
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to chair a Security Cabinet session Sunday to deliberate on the anticipated US-Iran agreement, according to the daily Yedioth Ahronoth, which reported the meeting would examine the accord's broader regional ramifications.
— Deal Timeline in Flux
US President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform early Saturday that a deal with Iran was set to be signed Sunday. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has played a mediating role between Washington and Tehran, echoed that timeline, suggesting a deal could be sealed within 24 hours.
Iran, however, pushed back on that timetable, stating the agreement would not be signed Sunday but could be concluded within the coming days.
The wider region has remained volatile since US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in late February triggered retaliatory strikes against Israel and regional nations hosting US military assets, as well as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world's most critical energy transit corridors.
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