Energy Minister and cabinet member Eli Cohen said Wednesday that Israel should reject any US dictate to withdraw from southern Lebanon, stating that the security zone must be maintained to protect northern residents. Cohen spoke at the MUNI EXPO 2026 local government conference.
Energy Minister and security cabinet member Eli Cohen stated on Wednesday at the MUNI EXPO 2026 local government conference that Israel must not accept a US dictate to withdraw from the security zone in southern Lebanon. 'If there is an American dictate to withdraw from Lebanon, we need to tell them: DON'T,' Cohen said. 'We will keep the security zone in Lebanon because we have a commitment to protect the residents of the north.' The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic pressure and internal debate over the IDF's presence in southern Lebanon, as reported by The Zioneer previously. The security cabinet has been divided over the pace and terms of any withdrawal, with some ministers calling for an escalation while others urge alignment with US positions.
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