Israeli minister: US–Iran agreement does not bind Tel Aviv

Israel is not bound by the recent agreement between the United States and Iran and will continue its military operations in the region, Gila Gamliel, Israel’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and a member of the country’s security cabinet said.

Speaking in an interview on Channel 7, Gamliel said Israel would continue its campaign until its security objectives are met.

“We are not a party to this agreement. From our perspective, we will continue to act until we achieve our goal—the disarmament of Hezbollah. In fact, we have advanced deep into Lebanon and do not intend to withdraw from the areas we have occupied as far as the Litani and Beqaa rivers. The IDF has complete freedom of action there, and we will not allow residents to return until Hezbollah is disarmed, because that is what ensures the safety of our residents in the north of the country,” she said.

She added that displaced populations would not be allowed to return to affected areas until Hezbollah is disarmed, describing it as essential for the security of northern Israel.

Gamliel also commented on U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that he was delaying progress due to domestic and international political considerations.

“President Trump is a businessman. Right now he has the World Cup, his birthday, the U.S. Independence Day celebrations, and the midterm elections, so he’s stalling for time, wanting another sixty days, and then perhaps another sixty. Under these circumstances, we are firmly standing by our security needs, and the prime minister stands on this position like a rock. That is the main thing, and it is normal that sometimes the parties do not agree on all issues,” Gamliel noted.

By Sabina Mammadli