A senior US State Department official warned that a permanent Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon is undermining a long-term peace plan. In remarks reported on August 13, 2026, the official said such a presence is inconsistent with commitments made under an agreement and is not conducive to lasting peace and security for Lebanon and Israel.

Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement last June with US support. The agreement called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory and the disarmament of Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The warning followed Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz’s statement that Israeli forces would remain in a so-called security zone in southern Lebanon. Responding anonymously, the US official said Washington expects all parties to act consistently with the framework they agreed to. The official also said Israel had made clear that it has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon.