Israel discusses troop presence in southern Lebanon with US after Iran agreement
via Egypt Today1 min read
Israel is in discussions with the United States regarding the ongoing deployment of its troops in southern Lebanon, according to two Israeli officials. These talks follow an interim agreement signed by the US and Iranian presidents, which calls for an immediate end to military operations, including in Lebanon, and aims to ensure Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty. A senior Israeli official stated that Israel intends to maintain its troop presence south of Lebanon's Litani River. Another Israeli official indicated that the outcome of these discussions might be influenced by whether US President Donald Trump pressures Israel to adhere to the interim agreement's terms. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently rejected calls to withdraw from territories seized during the conflict. Israel expanded its military operations in southern Lebanon after US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28, leading to Hezbollah launching strikes on Israel in support of Tehran.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
Must ReadEgypt has welcomed the interim agreement between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that it signifies a "turning point" towards de-escalation in the Middle East. During phone discussions with Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the US President for Arab and African Affairs, Egypt's FM Badr Abdelatty conveyed his aspiration that this memorandum of understanding MoU will initiate a new phase of de-escalation, foster confidence-building, and restore security and stability in the region. The officials also praised the strong Egyptian-American relations and recent developments in Libya and the Horn of Africa. The MoU, signed by the presidents of the United States and Iran, aims to immediately and permanently end military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. It also establishes a framework for addressing Iran's nuclear program, reopening shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting sanctions on Tehran. Egypt and other regional partners have advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the escalation in the Middle East, which has impacted global energy markets and increased regional tensions.
The Egyptian government is implementing advanced devices to monitor black carbon, methane, and ultra-fine particles within its environmental monitoring system. Minister of Environment and Local Development Manal Awad announced that these devices will be installed in 12 stations across Egypt as part of the "Air Pollution and Climate Change Management in Greater Cairo" project. These stations, operated by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, span from north of Cairo to southern Helwan. For the first time in Egypt, the new devices will measure articulate matter with a diameter of 1 micron or smaller PM1, in addition to PM2.5 and PM10, providing a more comprehensive understanding of air pollution levels and their health impacts. The project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Local Development and Environment, funded by the World Bank, and involves international and local experts. Black carbon, a primary component of PM2.5 from incomplete combustion, is linked to cardiovascular diseases and premature death, according to the World Health Organization. Methane, which contributes significantly to global warming and premature mortality, traps 86 times more heat than carbon dioxide over its first 20 years in the atmosphere, as stated by the United Nations.
Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad Dr. Badr Abdelatty received a phone call from Dr. Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon, to discuss recent developments in Lebanon. Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the official spokesperson for the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Minister Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's full solidarity with Lebanon in facing current challenges. He emphasized Egypt's position calling for Israel's complete withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, stressing that any infringement upon Lebanon's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity violates international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The spokesperson added that Minister Abdelatty affirmed the importance of supporting Lebanese state institutions, particularly the Lebanese Army, to enable them to fulfill their responsibilities in extending their authority and sovereignty over all national territory. He emphasized the necessity of ensuring the state's monopoly on the use of force as a cornerstone for preserving Lebanon's security and stability, supporting the state's choice, and safeguarding the resources of the Lebanese people. Minister Abdelatty affirmed Egypt's commitment to continuing its support for Lebanon and its national institutions, stemming from the fraternal relations and close ties between the two countries, and contributing to strengthening Lebanon's security and stability.