Story perspectives

US-Iran Cease-Fire Pact Demands Israel Withdraw, Israel Refuses

6/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in Switzerland calling for a cease-fire and demanding Israel withdraw from Lebanon.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the MOU obliges Israel to withdraw, a demand Israel has rejected.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will stay in southern Lebanon, has not seen the memorandum, and noted the IDF map shows its security zone extends 10 km into Lebanese territory.

History

Historical Context

Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon, following the 1978 Litani operation, expelled the PLO and sparked the rise of Hezbollah, which waged guerrilla war against Israel’s security zone that covered roughly 10 % of Lebanon. After a phased pullout, Israel withdrew on 25 May 2000, ending a 22-year occupation. The 2024 U.S.–Iran memorandum in Switzerland echoes these past attempts to end Israel’s presence.

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Story summary

The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in Switzerland calling for a cease-fire and demanding Israel withdraw from Lebanon.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the MOU obliges Israel to withdraw, a demand Israel has rejected.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will stay in southern Lebanon, has not seen the memorandum, and noted the IDF map shows its security zone extends 10 km into Lebanese territory.

1 / 2