Israel is not part of the negotiations between the US and Iran and will continue its offensive on Lebanon until Hezbollah is "fully dismantled," not just disarmed, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said.

Smotrich, a far-right extremist member of Israel's security cabinet, made the remarks Tuesday morning in an interview with Israeli Army Radio.

"Israel is not part of the negotiating talks with Iran by choice," he said, adding: "We will not hold talks with the devil."

"We are not a party to the negotiations between the United States and Iran, and they do not concern us at all," Smotrich said.

"We will continue operating in Lebanon fully," he added.

"The Israeli army will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon, including the Beaufort Castle, as long as Hezbollah exists," he said.

"We will not withdraw not only until Hezbollah gives up its weapons, but until it is fully dismantled," he continued.

"We do not only want Hezbollah to be stripped of its weapons, but to be fully dismantled, not be part of the government in Lebanon, and not have any military force that threatens Israel," he said.

The remarks come amid growing disputes within Israeli political and security circles over a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran and their possible implications for ending the war on the Lebanese front.

Israel and Lebanon are set to hold a fifth round of direct negotiations in Washington on Tuesday. The upcoming talks follow four previous rounds between the two sides that began in April as part of a track aimed at ending the Israeli war in Lebanon.

The US-mediated negotiations come as criticism grows inside Israel over Washington handling of talks with Iran and Hezbollah.

Israeli news site i24NEWS, citing Israeli officials, said Tel Aviv fears that an agreement between the US and Iran could strengthen Tehran and its allies in the region.

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.

Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023–2024 war. (AA)

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