Israel not party to US-Iran talks, will continue Lebanon operations: Smotrich

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Tuesday that Israel is not participating in negotiations between Washington and Tehran regarding the ongoing conflict, stating that Israeli forces will maintain full operations in Lebanon until Hezbollah is completely dismantled. Speaking to Israeli Army Radio, the far-right cabinet member declared that Israel had chosen not to join the talks.

"We will not hold talks with the devil," Smotrich said, adding: "We are not a party to the negotiations between the United States and Iran, and they do not concern us at all." He emphasized that Israel's military strategy remains independent of any diplomatic track between the US and Iran.

Conditions for Lebanon withdrawal

Smotrich outlined stringent conditions for any cessation of hostilities on the Lebanese front, insisting that the Israeli military would not withdraw from the security zone — including the Beaufort Castle — as long as Hezbollah maintains any presence. "We will not withdraw not only until Hezbollah gives up its weapons, but until it is fully dismantled," he said, stressing that the group must be removed entirely from Lebanon's government and stripped of any military capability to threaten Israel.

Fifth round of talks in Washington

The remarks come as Israel and Lebanon prepare to hold a fifth round of US-mediated negotiations in Washington on Tuesday, talks that have drawn criticism from within Israel over fears that a US-Iran agreement could strengthen Tehran and its regional allies. Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 4,100 people and injured over 12,000 others since March 2, according to official Lebanese figures, while Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon despite international calls for withdrawal.