Defence minister Israel Katz says military forces will not withdraw from territory seized in south Lebanon Middle East crisis – live updates Israeli military forces will not withdraw from a vast swathe of territory they have seized in southern Lebanon, the country’s defence minister has said, hours after Donald Trump and officials in Iran announced a new preliminary agreement between Washington and Tehran to end hostilities on “all fronts” in the Middle East pending a final settlement in about two months. Israel Katz’s remarks were the first official Israeli comments after the announcement of the interim deal, which has prompted widespread dismay and anger in Israel. Continue reading...