Netanyahu says Israel won’t leave occupied land in Lebanon

Jerusalem, Jun 16: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue Israel’s occupations of Lebanese and Syrian territory, despite the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran that links to those hostilities.

Netanyahu told a press conference on Monday that Israel’s forces will remain in Lebanon, where it occupies around 570sq km (220sq miles) of territory. Israel’s conflict with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has killed more than 3,000 people.

 “We will stay in the Lebanon security buffer zone for as long as necessary,” Netanyahu told reporters.

According to unconfirmed details, Lebanon will be covered in the deal due to be signed by Iran and the US on Friday, and Netanyahu’s comments will likely add pressure to the already fragile ceasefire agreement.�"AL JAZEERA