US reveals sole reason for Israel's occupation of Lebanon

The United States has clarified the sole reason for Israel's presence in Lebanese territory.

At a press conference on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Israel does not claim Lebanese territory, even while it remains present there.

When asked whether the U.S. would support Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, Rubio said, “The only reason Israel is in Lebanon is because Hezbollah launches rockets and drones from there. They’ve made that clear.”

Rubio added that the United States wants Lebanon’s military and government to have a stronger role in governing its territory, reiterating that Israel has no claims to Lebanese land.

He further stated, “The more of that area the Lebanese armed forces can secure, the less it remains under Hezbollah’s control, and consequently, the less Israel will be present in Lebanon.”

Reports say that Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have publicly declared that Israel has no intention of withdrawing from southern Lebanon, where it continues operations despite the U.S.–Iran agreement that calls for an end to hostilities on all fronts.

Israel’s defense minister also said that Washington has not asked Israel to pull back its forces.