Israel plans expanded occupation of Lebanon in defiance of US-Iran pact

The Israeli army published a map on Thursday of a new expanded zone of control in southern Lebanon, detailing a significant expansion in military occupation and operations, Reuters reported.

Israeli forces have said they will not rule out carrying out attacks beyond occupation lines, challenging the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran, which categorically calls for a halt to fighting between Israel and Lebanon.

The first point of the MoU, which ended the US-Israel war on Iran, declares an “immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon” as well as “ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon”.

Israel has so far not ended its attacks on Lebanon and repeatedly rejected calls to withdraw troops from southern Lebanon. 

Read more: Israel plans expanded occupation of Lebanon in defiance of US-Iran pact