US-Iran peace deal demands Israel withdraw from Lebanon to respect territorial integrity

Israel would be forced to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon as part of the US-Iran peace deal signed on Sunday, the full text of the agreement has revealed.After days of speculation and back-and-forth attacks between Israel and Hezbollah, US officials confirmed the details of the memorandum of understanding on Tuesday, which appeared to tilt in favor of Iran and its terror proxy.The text states that Lebanon’s territory and sovereignty must be respected by all parties involved, which would mean Israel would be forced to pull its forces out of southern Lebanon after pushing the furthest they have since the 2006 war.“The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran and their allies in the current war, by signing this MOU, declare the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and undertake from now on not to initiate any war or any military operation against each other, and to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other, and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon,” the agreement reads.

“The final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and other provisions of this paragraph,” it added.The terms are in stark opposition to Israel’s position that it would not withdraw from Lebanon, with Israel’s Ministry of Defense vowing earlier this week that its forces would remain in Syria and Gaza as well.“We will not compromise on Israel’s security interests and the protection of our citizens, and we will not withdraw from the security zones,” Katz said.

The terms had already received heavy backlash from Israel’s leadership, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appearing to distance himself from it on Monday and calling it “Trump’s decision.” Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.Please provide a valid email.

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