Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz says Israel will not withdraw from territory it has seized in southern Lebanon, despite Lebanon’s reported inclusion in an interim U.S.–Iran agreement aimed at ending hostilities. Katz’s remarks come shortly after President Donald Trump and officials in Iran announced a preliminary deal, with further steps expected toward a final settlement in about two months. The Guardian reports that Katz’s comments are the first official Israeli response to the interim agreement and that Iranian and U.S. officials are expected to meet in Geneva for a signature ceremony, with diplomatic sources citing Pakistan as the principal mediator. The Hill adds that Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also reject any binding effect of the U.S.–Iran arrangement on Israel’s actions. Ben-Gvir says Trump’s agreement does not bind Israel. Across the outlets, Israeli officials present their position as a continuation of existing operations in Lebanon’s south, while the broader regional ceasefire framework discussed by the U.S. and Iran does not translate into an Israeli commitment to withdraw.