Dr Satish Misra
New Delhi, 15 June—Even as the United States and Iran announced that they had reached a deal to end the nearly three-month war in the West Asia region, several questions remain unanswered as American President Donald Trump’s authority gets challenged by none other than its closest ally Israel.
On Sunday, it was announced that the deal with Iran is complete and with a “let the oil flow”, Trump signalled towards the restoration of peace in the West Asia region. But as things stand now, it’s easier said than done.
The ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s opposition to the US authority are two major hurdles confronting Washington.
Netanyahu is caught in a catch 22 situation because if he went along with Trump’s deal then he will be in a dump as his political existence will be totally ruined and he will end up in jail.
Therefore Isreal has publicly rejected the prospect of withdrawing its forces from southern Lebanon despite a newly announced diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran, setting the stage for a potential policy clash with Washington.
Senior members of Netanyahu’s government said Israel would maintain its military presence in security zones along its borders and would not alter its security posture under external pressure. Israeli media reports said the position has already been conveyed to US President Donald Trump.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would continue operating in areas considered critical to national security. “The IDF will remain indefinitely in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza to protect Israeli citizens,” Katz said while outlining Israel’s position.
He also said Jerusalem had made its opposition to a Lebanon withdrawal clear to Washington.
“We firmly oppose withdrawing from Lebanon, a position made clear to the US,” Katz said.
According to Israeli media reports, Katz said Israel would resist pressure over the issue regardless of future diplomatic developments.
“Israel rejects withdrawal from Lebanon despite all existing and future pressures,” he said, adding that Netanyahu had communicated the same message directly to Trump.
The government’s position was reinforced by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who sharply criticised the diplomatic framework announced by Trump and insisted that Israel would make its own security decisions.
In a post on X, Ben-Gvir said Israel was under no obligation to follow the terms of the US-led agreement.
“Trump’s agreement does not bind us. Israel is not subject to the United States, and we are an independent and sovereign nation,” he wrote.
He said Israel’s primary responsibility remained the safety of its citizens and soldiers.
Ben-Gvir also argued that past concessions made under international pressure had harmed Israeli security interests.
“Every time we succumbed to international pressure at the expense of Israel’s security, we paid a blood price with interest,” he said, citing the Oslo Accords, the 2006 Lebanon agreement and previous periods of restraint in Gaza.
While expressing appreciation for the United States and Trump, Ben-Gvir said national security decisions must remain in Israeli hands.
“The State of Israel is not a banana republic,” he said.
Ben-Gvir took an uncompromising position on Lebanon, saying Israel should not withdraw from areas captured during military operations and should continue targeting threats linked to Hezbollah.
“We are not partners to this agreement that does not ensure our security, and it does not bind us in any way,” he said.
He also called for the dismantling of Hezbollah and warned that attacks from Lebanon would trigger immediate retaliation.
“Every launch of a drone, UAV, or missile toward Israel from Lebanon will lead to an Israeli strike in Dahiya,” Ben-Gvir said.
The statements from Israeli ministers came shortly after Trump announced that an agreement with Iran had been finalised.
Posting on Truth Social, the US President said the deal would lead to the reopening of maritime routes and the removal of the American naval blockade.
“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!” Trump wrote.
He added that he had authorised the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the immediate removal of US naval restrictions.
“Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” Trump said.
The announcement was made hours before a UFC event scheduled at the White House to mark Trump’s 80th birthday.
The public disagreement from Israeli leaders signals resistance within Netanyahu’s government to any arrangement that could require a military pullback from Lebanon, despite Washington’s diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran.
Veteran Journalist and Political Commentator
