Israeli Minister Smotrich: "We Will Not Withdraw From Lebanon"

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has openly defied U.S. President Donald Trump, declaring that Israel will not withdraw its military forces from Lebanon and dismissing recent American diplomatic agreements.

Asserting that there will be no withdrawal "not by Friday and not after Friday," Smotrich stated that the military will maintain full operational freedom across Lebanese territory.

The declarations highlight a widening diplomatic breach between Washington and Tel Aviv over the strategic management of regional security and Iranian influence.

Rejection of American Diplomacy

Smotrich directly criticized the Trump administration's Iran deal, describing the agreement as flawed and asserting Israel's right to publicly debate the American framework.

Acknowledging "real disagreements" with the U.S., the finance minister stated the immediate challenge is managing the diplomatic crisis while standing firm.

He described the strategy as knowing "how not to snap the rope."

Referencing the U.S. president, Smotrich remarked that Trump must look after the interests of his "small superpower," an electorate of 380 million people, while Israel remains focused entirely on its own security imperatives.

Long-Term Presence In Lebanon And Iran Strategy

Addressing operations in Lebanon, Smotrich confirmed that Israeli forces will remain in the southern region and actively deepen their presence.

He emphasized that the military will maintain its posture for "as many years as necessary" until Hezbollah is fully disarmed.

Regarding Iran, Smotrich stated that Israel had crippled the country's economy, industries, and nuclear program, pushing Tehran's capabilities back significantly.

He noted, however, that Israel intended to conduct a much wider campaign.

He reiterated that the overarching objective remains the collapse of the regime in Tehran, stating that Israel will pursue this goal independently and continue to "stand our ground."

Expansion In Gaza And Settlement Policy

In the Gaza Strip, Smotrich reported continuous military advancements, stating that Israeli forces now control nearly 70 percent of the ruined territory.

He stipulated that no reconstruction will occur without complete demilitarization.

The minister confirmed that the government is preparing new operational plans aimed at the total destruction of Hamas.

Linking long-term military control to civilian infrastructure, Smotrich argued that an army cannot sustain a presence without corresponding settlements.

Following what he described as Israel's settlement "revolution" in the West Bank, he indicated his expectation for a similar demographic initiative to be implemented in Gaza.