Netanyahu’s first reaction since US-Iran deal: ‘Israel troops to remain in Lebanon’

Israel is locked in high-stakes negotiations with the Trump administration over the future of southern Lebanon, as Jerusalem seeks to keep troops deployed in territory seized during its war against Hezbollah.

Israeli attacks and the destruction of villages have killed thousands and set off a displacement crisis.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday afternoon attended the inauguration ceremony of the "Bible Trail" on Route 60 and addressed the security situation on the northern border and the IDF presence in southern Lebanon.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive talks, made the comments a day after the U.S. and Iran signed an interim pact that calls for parties to ensure "the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon."