[89017] The US Administration and Israel's efforts to maintain presence in Southern Lebanon

[89017] The US Administration and Israel's efforts to maintain presence in Southern Lebanon

The US administration clarifies: There is no coercion on Israel to withdraw from Southern Lebanon

On June 18, 2026, reports emerged from various sources highlighting the Trump-Vance administration's position regarding Israel's security. US Vice President J.D. Vance stated in interviews that the current agreement does not determine the future of the Israeli presence in Southern Lebanon. According to his words, as published on Abu Ali Express and Hadashot 360, Israel has the full right to self-defense of its people, and no entity has the right to prevent a country from protecting its citizens.

In parallel, Yinon Magal reports that the US Secretary of Defense, Hegseth, declared the US readiness to return to combat if necessary. In a threatening message toward Iran, the Secretary clarified that a violation of the nuclear agreement terms would lead to the imposition of an "iron blockade" on the region.

Against this backdrop, political officials in Jerusalem are acting decisively with the White House. According to a report by Yinon Magal relying on Reuters, Israel is conducting stubborn negotiations to ensure the continued presence of its forces in Southern Lebanon, while emphasizing that Israel has no intention to withdraw from its positions.

These sources, which are mostly identified with support for right-wing policy in Israel and the American Republican administration, present a unified front according to which the American pressure is not aimed at restricting Israel's military steps, but rather the opposite – to provide operational space to ensure the residents' security.