Israel News for 6-24-2026
News Update
Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated on Wednesday that Israel will not withdraw from its “security zones” in Lebanon and Syria, even if the United States were to demand it. He said, “The IDF must be on the enemy’s side of the border and protect the communities from within the territory itself.” He also said that Israel would not allow Lebanese civilians back into the security zones. Meanwhile, IDF forces eliminated 2 armed Hezbollah terrorists who were posing a threat near the security zone.
Israeli and Lebanese representatives resumed U.S.-mediated talks in Washington. Israel is demanding on a “step-by-step” process in which the Lebanese army takes concrete action on the ground to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure before any Israeli pullback. Israeli Ambassador Leiter said Lebanon’s government must exercise its sovereignty by ensuring that Iran is no longer involved in “malign activity or influence” in the country. He called the latest round of talks between the 2 countries a “train wreck”, primarily due to the continuing influence of Iran in the situation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi reportedly told a senior Hamas official that he would raise the Gaza issue in negotiations with the U.S. He stressed that the recent MOU signed with the U.S. includes a cessation of fighting on “all” fronts.
