Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jun 21: Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Sunday said Israeli troops would continue to remain in the "security zone" established in southern Lebanon, asserting that the military would not withdraw from positions it currently holds in the area.
In an official statement, Katz said the Israeli army would maintain its presence to safeguard communities in northern Israel and retain full operational freedom to act against any perceived threats.
He emphasised that Israeli forces face no restrictions in carrying out operations inside Lebanon to neutralise security risks.
The minister also said the military had recently responded strongly to attacks launched by Hezbollah, claiming that several militants had been eliminated and multiple militant infrastructures had been damaged.
Katz stressed that protecting the lives of Israeli soldiers and civilians remains the country's highest priority.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran gained momentum as negotiators from both countries began talks at the Buergenstock mountain resort in central Switzerland.
According to Swiss authorities, the US delegation is being led by Vice President JD Vance, while the Iranian side is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Mediators also arrived at the venue to facilitate discussions.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran intends to ensure that Washington fulfils its commitments under a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
In a post on social media platform X, Baghaei said the talks were aimed at reviewing the implementation of the agreement and setting the groundwork for negotiations on a broader final settlement.
He stated that the start of formal negotiations would depend on several conditions being met, including an end to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon, the lifting of the US naval blockade, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the issuance of waivers for Iranian oil exports and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
Baghaei maintained that progress towards a comprehensive agreement would not be possible unless these commitments, particularly those related to ending regional hostilities, were fully implemented.
The discussions in Switzerland come amid ongoing efforts to reduce tensions in West Asia and revive diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran after months of heightened regional instability.