US and Iran Announce Peace Deal; Israel Confirms Troops Will Remain in Lebanon

Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain their presence in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely to protect the border and Israeli communities from jihadist threats. Despite Israel's involvement in the conflict against Iran since late February, it was not included in the Pakistan-mediated negotiations for the peace deal. Many Israeli politicians and citizens advocate for continued military action against Lebanon to weaken Hezbollah. According to Lebanon's health ministry, at least 3,711 individuals have died in Israeli attacks since the war began on March 2. The conflict escalated after Hezbollah launched rockets at northern Israel following the killing of the former Iranian supreme leader in Tehran on February 28. The Israeli military actions have resulted in significant civilian casualties, widespread destruction of homes in southern Lebanon, and a refugee crisis, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate under urgent orders.