The finance minister told the Times of Israel forces would not withdraw even if the United States demands it, underscoring a potentially prolonged military presence tied to Hezbollah’s disarmament.
Israel’s finance minister said troops could remain in Lebanon "for years" and would not leave even if the United States calls for a withdrawal, framing any pullout as contingent on Hezbollah disarming. The remarks, reported by the Times of Israel, point to the prospect of a long-running Israeli military presence in Lebanon and signal that Israeli officials are tying an eventual exit to the dismantling of Hezbollah’s armed capacity.