Israel Vows No Retreat from Controlled Territories Amidst US-Iran Talks

Israel. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday publicly stated Israel's stance that it will not withdraw from lands currently under its control in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip. This statement, coming amidst ongoing interim peace talks between the United States and Iran, signals that regional tensions remain high.

This is Israel's first official reaction, as negotiations are being prepared for the formal signing of the US-Iran agreement in Geneva on Friday. Pakistan has provided information about the meeting as a mediator.

According to Defense Minister Katz, Israel plans to keep the areas currently under its control in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip under its control 'indefinitely'. He also interpreted the interim understanding reached with Iran to stop the ongoing military operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon with suspicion.

He warned that if Iran attempts any attack on Israel, Israel will retaliate strongly, indicating the use of 'great force'. For more than the past two years, Israel has taken control of approximately one square kilometer of land in various areas of Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. This area is said to be slightly smaller than New York City.