Israel is in talks with the United States to extend its troop presence in southern Lebanon, officials told Reuters. The discussions follow an interim U.S.-Iran agreement urging respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity. Israeli leaders say they will keep forces south of the Litani River and describe seized areas as "buffer zones" to protect national security. Officials say the talks may hinge on whether President Trump applies pressure on Israel to comply with the pact.
Israel Seeks U.S. Backing To Extend Troop Presence In Southern Lebanon, Officials Say
Israeli military vehicles at the Israel-Lebanon border, as seen from the Israeli side, June 8, 2026. REUTERS/Ayal Margolin/File Photo
JERUSALEM, June 18 (Reuters) - Israel is negotiating with the United States over extending its deployment of troops in southern Lebanon, two Israeli officials — including a senior aide close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — told Reuters on Thursday.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions are sensitive. Their comments came a day after Washington and Tehran signed an interim agreement that calls on parties to respect "the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon."
Israel expanded operations in southern Lebanon after the Lebanese militia Hezbollah opened fire at Israel on March 2, in what Israel said was support for Iran. Since then, Israel says it has conducted an intense air and ground campaign aimed at degrading Hezbollah's capabilities.
Israeli authorities describe territory seized in Lebanon, Gaza and Syria as "buffer zones" that separate the country from its adversaries — a central element of Israel's recent security policy. Prime Minister Netanyahu has rejected calls to withdraw forces from those areas.
A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Israel was "conducting stubborn negotiations" with Washington over continuing its troop deployment in southern Lebanon and said Israel would not back down from its position, including maintaining forces south of the Litani River.
"We are conducting stubborn negotiations," the senior official said, adding that Israel intended to keep its positions south of the Litani.
A second Israeli official said the outcome of the talks could hinge on whether U.S. President Donald Trump "decides to force the issue" by threatening repercussions if Israel does not adhere to the interim Iran pact's terms.
Netanyahu's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Why it matters: Any extension of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon carries implications for regional stability and for the implementation of the U.S.-Iran interim agreement, which among other aims seeks to bolster Lebanese sovereignty.
(Reporting by Rami Ayyub)
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