Katz’s remarks came a day after Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Quds Force, said Israel would ultimately be forced to withdraw from southern Lebanon if it did not leave voluntarily.

Speaking on Thursday, Qaani said Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon could not be sustained indefinitely and predicted it would eventually end in withdrawal following continued regional pressure.

Katz did not elaborate on the nature of Israel’s potential response but issued the warning amid heightened tensions involving Iran, Israel and Lebanon, where cross-border security concerns remain closely tied to broader regional negotiations.

The exchange of statements reflects the fragile security environment as diplomatic efforts continue to address unresolved disputes stemming from the recent conflict between Iran and Israel, alongside parallel negotiations concerning Lebanon’s security situation.

The discussions come a day after Washington and Tehran signed an interim agreement that commits participating parties to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, a provision that could complicate Israel’s efforts to preserve a military presence in areas it has seized during recent operations.

Two Israeli officials, including a senior official close to Netanyahu, told Reuters that Israel is seeking U.S. acceptance of its continued troop deployment south of Lebanon’s Litani River, a strategically important area that Israeli leaders regard as essential to national security.

The senior official said Israel was conducting “stubborn negotiations” with Washington and would not retreat from its core position that troops should remain deployed in southern Lebanon despite mounting international pressure.

A second Israeli official said the outcome could ultimately depend on whether Trump chooses to exert direct pressure on Israel by linking compliance with the broader U.S.-Iran diplomatic framework to future bilateral cooperation.

Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Israel expanded military operations in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah launched attacks against Israeli territory on March 2 in support of Iran following the outbreak of hostilities involving Tehran and its regional allies. Israeli forces subsequently carried out a large-scale air and ground campaign aimed at degrading Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.

Israeli officials have described territory captured in Lebanon, Gaza and Syria as part of a network of “buffer zones” designed to provide strategic depth and reduce security threats along Israel’s borders. Netanyahu has consistently rejected calls for withdrawal from those areas, arguing that they are necessary to prevent future attacks.

The dispute over Lebanon has become one of the most visible points of friction between Trump and Netanyahu despite their close cooperation during the conflict with Iran.

Speaking at the conclusion of the G7 summit in France on Wednesday, Trump publicly urged the Israeli leader to exercise greater restraint in Lebanon and suggested that military actions should be calibrated to support diplomatic efforts rather than undermine them.

“Netanyahu happens to be a good man, gets a little excited sometimes,” Trump told reporters.

The U.S. president added that Israel could adopt a “softer touch” in dealing with Hezbollah and questioned the necessity of extensive military strikes in response to every perceived threat.

“We have a little dispute over Lebanon. I say you can do a little softer touch, Bibi,” Trump said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.

The disagreement reflects broader tensions surrounding efforts to convert the U.S.-Iran interim agreement into a permanent settlement. Iran has repeatedly argued that any durable regional arrangement must include an end to hostilities in Lebanon and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied areas.

Netanyahu has maintained that Israel is not bound by agreements negotiated between Washington and Tehran and retains full freedom of action against Hezbollah.

Despite the public disagreements, Trump acknowledged Netanyahu’s role during the conflict with Iran and praised the close military coordination between the United States and Israel throughout the campaign.

Trump also rejected reports suggesting that Washington had excluded Israel from discussions surrounding the interim agreement, stating that he had personally shared the memorandum of understanding reached with Iran. The framework is expected to serve as the basis for broader U.S.-Iran negotiations scheduled to begin in Switzerland on Friday.

The talks over Lebanon underscore the challenge facing both governments as they attempt to balance military objectives, regional diplomacy and competing visions for post-conflict security arrangements across the Middle East.

“What they said, including their weak and pathetic statement on having a deal, bears no relation to the truth. Very dishonorable people to deal with. With them, there is no such thing as dealing in good faith. AMAZING!” Trump wrote, adding that Tehran “better get their act together, and FAST!”

The comments followed Trump’s statement on Thursday that he was calling off new strikes on Iran because a deal had been reached, marking a shift in tone amid conflicting accounts of the agreement’s status.

On Friday, a senior Iranian source told Reuters that the draft under discussion would include the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil exports and the unfreezing of billions of dollars in Iranian assets, alongside a cessation of hostilities across multiple fronts, including in Lebanon. The source did not specify what Tehran would offer in return.

The reported framework also suggests that nuclear issues would be deferred to later negotiations, even as Washington has repeatedly said it seeks to ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon. Iran has consistently denied pursuing such a capability.

Iranian state media said the draft would not require Tehran to relinquish control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route. The Islamic Republic has maintained increased control over traffic through the waterway since the outbreak of conflict with the United States and Israel earlier this year, allowing only limited passage and requiring vessels to seek approval from its armed forces.

Iran has framed the outlined terms as preserving its authority over the strait, while emphasizing that final details of the agreement remain under discussion. Meanwhile, Trump’s remarks underscored continuing uncertainty over whether both sides share a common interpretation of the proposed deal’s scope and obligations.

Trump said in a post on Truth Social that both sides were looking to stop hostilities and that negotiations on a peace agreement were proceeding, while adding that a U.S.-led blockade would remain in force until a final deal was reached.

The comments came after Iran and Israel exchanged attacks for the first time since a truce took effect in April, raising concerns over the durability of diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the wider Middle East war.

Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya military command later announced that armed forces operations against Israel had ceased, saying Tehran had delivered what it described as a “painful response” and was ending military action accordingly. The statement was carried by Iranian state television.

An Israeli official said Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone on Monday before the U.S. president publicly stated that both sides were seeking an immediate ceasefire.

Iran’s government, however, blamed Washington for the renewed fighting. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told reporters in Tehran that Israeli military actions could not be separated from U.S. policy and said no one believed Israel would undertake such actions without coordination with Washington.

Baqaei said the renewed hostilities could affect diplomatic efforts launched to end what Tehran describes as an imposed war.

Israel said it struck a petrochemical facility in Iran’s southwestern city of Mahshahr and carried out additional attacks against military targets. Israeli military officials said the operation also targeted and dismantled air-defense capabilities that Tehran had been attempting to restore.

A provincial Iranian official told the semi-official Fars news agency that parts of the Mahshahr petrochemical complex were damaged.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responded by launching missiles toward a petrochemical facility in Haifa, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency. The Israeli military said Iran had fired nearly 30 missiles at Israel since Sunday night.

In Tehran, a large explosion was heard near the Foreign Ministry during a press conference attended by journalists, including AFP reporters. Iranian media reported that air-defense systems were activated in parts of the capital and later said a drone described as belonging to the “American-Zionist enemy” had been shot down over the city.

The Israeli military warned later on Monday that another wave of Iranian missiles was approaching and instructed residents in affected areas to seek shelter.

Earlier, Trump said the latest attacks would not undermine ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations and asserted that Netanyahu did not determine the course of diplomacy. According to Axios, citing a U.S. official, Trump urged the Israeli leader during a phone call to avoid further strikes because negotiators were close to securing a breakthrough.

The renewed tensions followed Israeli strikes near Beirut on Sunday, the first in the area since Washington unveiled a Lebanon truce proposal last week. Iran responded with missile salvos against Israeli targets, placing fresh pressure on negotiations intended to end the broader conflict.

Trump has repeatedly said Washington and Tehran are nearing an agreement. In an interview broadcast on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” he said the sides were very close to a deal while warning of severe consequences if diplomacy failed.

The conflict has increasingly drawn in regional actors. The Israeli military said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, marking the first such attack since the ceasefire began in April.

Yemen’s Houthi movement later claimed responsibility for missile strikes against what it called sensitive Israeli targets in the Tel Aviv area. The group said the attacks were coordinated with members of the Iran-aligned “axis of resistance” and announced a complete ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea, warning that Israeli-linked vessels would be considered military targets.

The wider conflict has remained largely frozen since April, when U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran were paused. Tehran subsequently disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports, while Washington imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports.

Israel has continued military operations in Lebanon throughout the period, while Hezbollah has maintained attacks against Israel and rejected calls to disarm unless Israeli forces halt strikes and withdraw from Lebanese territory.

Netanyahu said Sunday’s strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs were ordered in response to Hezbollah fire toward Israel, underscoring the fragile state of regional ceasefire efforts as diplomatic negotiations continue.

During the interview, Ravid spoke about a recent conversation he had with a senior aide to Nabih Berri, a key Lebanese political figure allied with Hezbollah.
Ravid later shared the interview on social media, describing it as his first appearance on Lebanese television.

The interview is notable because Lebanese law generally prohibits direct dealings or interactions with Israeli individuals and entities.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said the United States possesses sufficient military capabilities and munitions stockpiles to restart operations if required, while emphasizing that the administration remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic settlement.

“Our ability to recommence if necessary ,we are more than capable,” Hegseth said, adding that US military inventories are adequately positioned both in the region and globally.The remarks come as negotiators from Washington and Tehran continue efforts to overcome key differences that have stalled a broader agreement aimed at extending an early-April ceasefire and establishing a permanent framework to end hostilities.

Hegseth said President Donald Trump remains committed to securing what he described as a strong agreement that would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Trump said on Friday he would convene advisers in a secure White House facility to make a final decision on a proposal that would extend the current truce by an additional 60 days.

The conflict, launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, while disrupting global energy markets through the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

Despite the Middle East conflict, Hegseth rejected suggestions that Washington’s strategic focus had shifted away from the Indo-Pacific. He said the United States is expanding its defense-industrial capacity to increase weapons production and maintain readiness across multiple theaters simultaneously.

At the same forum, Hegseth urged Asian allies to increase defense spending in response to China’s growing military capabilities, describing Beijing’s military expansion as a source of concern for regional security.

He argued that a stronger network of capable regional partners is necessary to preserve the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and deter potential aggression. Hegseth warned that dominance by any single power would undermine regional stability and prosperity.

Echoing a longstanding position of the Trump administration, Hegseth said allies should assume greater responsibility for their own defense and reduce dependence on US military support.“The era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over,” he said, adding that strong alliances require all partners to contribute meaningfully to collective security.

Hegseth cited defense contributions from countries including South Korea, Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, while highlighting efforts by Japan to strengthen its military capabilities and deepen cooperation with Washington.

During a telephone conversation, Motegi stressed the importance of preserving the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran and concluding an agreement swiftly, according to Japan’s Foreign Ministry. He also reiterated Japan’s support for ongoing U.S.-Iran dialogue and said Tokyo would continue coordinating with Qatar and the broader international community.

The talks came at a sensitive moment in regional diplomacy following reports that the United States and Iran had reached a preliminary understanding on extending a ceasefire and launching negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, pending final approval from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry said Motegi described the discussion with Sheikh Mohammed as timely given the critical stage of U.S.-Iran relations and praised Qatar’s mediation role in regional diplomacy.

Both ministers emphasized the strategic importance of ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital energy shipping lanes. Concerns over maritime security in the Gulf have intensified in recent weeks amid military tensions involving Iran and the United States.

Motegi also underscored the long-standing energy partnership between Japan and Qatar, requesting continued cooperation to maintain stable energy supplies for Japan, which remains heavily dependent on imported liquefied natural gas and crude oil from the Middle East.
The Japanese minister additionally conveyed condolences over the death of former Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, crediting him with playing a major role in developing Qatar’s liquefied natural gas industry and strengthening bilateral ties.

Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to diplomacy and dialogue as the preferred means of resolving regional disputes, according to statements released after the call. He said Doha would continue working with Tokyo to ease tensions and contribute to stability around the Strait of Hormuz.

The Qatari prime minister also expressed support for expanding bilateral cooperation with Japan, particularly in the energy sector, as both countries pledged continued coordination aimed at promoting long-term peace and stability in the Middle East.

The conflict has intensified despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and broader regional de-escalation. Areas south of the Litani River have been largely depopulated and heavily damaged, while Israeli military activity has increasingly extended north of the river.

Recent clashes have highlighted Hezbollah’s evolving battlefield approach. According to Israeli media reports cited in the source material, a Hezbollah fighter infiltrated an area near Qawzah, north of the border, and killed an Israeli major before escaping. In another reported incident, a Hezbollah drone targeted the commander of Israel’s 401st Armored Brigade in the town of Debel.

Military sources cited in the report said Hezbollah has largely moved away from the extensive use of guided missiles and rocket barrages that characterized earlier phases of the conflict. Instead, the group is relying on small, mobile units conducting ambushes, infiltration operations and drone attacks designed to inflict casualties while avoiding direct confrontation with Israel’s superior air power and surveillance capabilities.

Analysts said advances in Israeli intelligence gathering, including drones, surveillance balloons and satellite monitoring, have made traditional launch-and-withdraw tactics increasingly difficult. As a result, Hezbollah has adapted by dispersing fighters into smaller independent units operating across multiple locations.

A Lebanese military source said the growing use of fiber-optic first-person-view drones has altered the nature of the battlefield by enabling more precise attacks against Israeli positions. However, Israeli forces continue to maintain overwhelming advantages in airpower, intelligence collection and long-range strike capabilities.

The humanitarian impact has continued to mount. According to figures cited in the report, more than 3,120 civilians have been killed and over 9,500 wounded since March 2. Israeli forces recently issued additional evacuation warnings covering dozens of villages north of the Litani River ahead of further military operations.

The destruction has fueled debate inside Lebanon over the costs of continued fighting. Israeli newspaper reports cited in the article suggested that Hezbollah faces difficulties rebuilding its ranks and is under pressure to reach a ceasefire, although the group has not publicly commented on such claims.

Retired Lebanese military officials offered differing assessments of the conflict’s trajectory. Retired Major General Abdul Rahman Chehaitli argued that Hezbollah’s guerrilla tactics complicate Israeli efforts to hold territory but are unlikely to produce a decisive military outcome.

He said civilians and the Lebanese state remain the principal victims of the confrontation.
Retired Brigadier General Khalil Jamil said Hezbollah’s tactics can impose costs on Israeli forces but are unlikely to compel a withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

He argued that Israel increasingly views the conflict through an existential security lens and has demonstrated a willingness to sustain a prolonged campaign despite casualties and domestic pressure.
Both officers agreed that a military solution remains unlikely and that negotiations ultimately represent the only viable path to ending the conflict.

Diplomatic attention is focused on upcoming security discussions expected later this month between Israeli and Lebanese officials under U.S. sponsorship, followed by a broader political track in June. The talks come amid wider regional diplomacy, including ongoing discussions between the United States and Iran.
Israel continues to reject any arrangement that would permit Hezbollah to maintain a presence in southern border areas, while Lebanon is seeking a comprehensive ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, prisoner releases, the return of displaced civilians and reconstruction assistance.

According to Yassin Jaber, economic losses from the war, including damage to homes, infrastructure and businesses, have reached approximately $20 billion. He said international aid flows have been significantly lower than those received during previous conflicts.

As diplomatic efforts continue, fighting on the ground shows little sign of easing, leaving southern Lebanon caught between Hezbollah’s campaign of resistance and Israel’s determination to secure its northern frontier.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he expected Tehran to respond “supposedly tonight” to a proposal delivered through Pakistani mediators, but no official Iranian reply had been made public by Saturday evening.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi questioned Washington’s intentions during a phone call with his Turkish counterpart, according to remarks published by Iran’s ISNA news agency.

“The recent escalation of tensions by American forces in the Arabian Gulf and their numerous actions in violating the ceasefire have added to suspicions about the motivation and seriousness of the American side in the path of diplomacy,” Araghchi said.The comments followed a confrontation on Friday in which a U.S. fighter jet fired on and disabled two Iranian-flagged tankers that Washington said had challenged an American naval blockade targeting Iranian ports.

An Iranian military official, quoted by local media, said Iran’s navy had retaliated against what he described as “American terrorism with strikes,” adding that the clashes had since ended.The incident came less than a day after another flare-up in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes for global oil exports.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Friday that it was “unacceptable” for Tehran to exert control over the waterway, through which a substantial share of global crude shipments passes.The Trump administration has sought to reopen commercial navigation through the strait after Iran restricted maritime access following the outbreak of conflict on Feb. 28, triggered by joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.

Washington later imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, escalating tensions across Gulf shipping lanes and contributing to volatility in international energy markets.Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Friday the latest U.S. proposal remained “under review.”

Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Washington on Friday to discuss Pakistani-mediated efforts to secure a longer-term settlement.Separately, satellite imagery indicated an oil slick spreading near Kharg Island, Iran’s principal oil export hub in the Gulf.

Monitoring group Orbital EOS estimated the slick initially covered more than 20 square miles before appearing to diminish by Saturday.The UK-based Conflict and Environment Observatory said the spill may have originated from damaged or leaking oil infrastructure, though the exact cause remained unclear.

Kharg Island plays a central role in Iran’s energy exports and has become increasingly sensitive amid the ongoing confrontation over Gulf shipping routes and oil flows.

“Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to the Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be open to all,” Trump said on social media, warning that failure to accept the proposal would result in intensified military action.

The remarks come amid indications that Washington and Tehran are nearing a one-page, 14-point memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict and initiating further negotiations, according to a source familiar with the talks.

The proposed framework would declare an end to the war and launch a 30-day negotiating period to finalize arrangements covering maritime transit through the strait, limits on Iran’s nuclear program, and the lifting of US sanctions.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured once US threats subside, adding that new procedures were being implemented for shipping, though no details were provided.The developments follow Trump’s decision to pause “Project Freedom,” a US naval mission intended to escort vessels through the waterway, citing progress in negotiations.

The blockade, however, remains in force.The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, has been largely closed to international shipping since late February, when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran. The disruption has severely affected global energy flows and heightened geopolitical tensions.

According to sources, the draft memorandum could include provisions for Iran to halt nuclear enrichment activities, while the United States would lift sanctions and release frozen Iranian funds. Both sides would also gradually ease restrictions on shipping during the negotiation period.

The talks involve US envoys and Iranian officials engaging directly and through intermediaries, with Pakistan playing a mediating role, the source said.Despite the diplomatic progress, incidents in the strait have continued.

A French shipping company reported that one of its container vessels was struck in the waterway this week, with injured crew evacuated.Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking during a visit to China, said Tehran was seeking a “fair and comprehensive agreement” but did not directly address Trump’s latest comments.

The conflict, which began on February 28, has disrupted shipping and triggered repeated strikes on vessels and regional targets, underscoring the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global trade and energy markets.