No Withdrawal From Lebanon, Syria or Gaza, Israeli Defence Minister Insists

Israel has ruled out withdrawing its troops from security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, with Defence Minister Israel Katz declaring that military forces will remain deployed for as long as necessary.

The announcement came on Monday, shortly after the United States and Iran reached an agreement intended to end the wider Middle East conflict and ease tensions across the region.

Katz said Israel’s security strategy, agreed upon with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, requires a continued military presence in key areas beyond its borders.

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I are pursuing a clear policy under which the IDF will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza for an unlimited period of time, in order to protect the border and Israeli communities from there against jihadist elements.”

According to the defence minister, Israeli forces will continue operations aimed at dismantling militant infrastructure in those territories.

“The area will be cleared of local residents, and all terrorist infrastructure, both above and below ground — including the houses in the frontline villages that served as terrorist outposts — will be destroyed.”

Katz described the retention of security zones as a major achievement for the Israeli military and rejected calls for a withdrawal from Lebanon.

“Holding territory and maintaining security zones are among the IDF’s greatest achievements… therefore we oppose an IDF withdrawal from Lebanon, despite all the existing pressures and those that will come.”

He said Netanyahu had informed President Donald Trump of Israel’s position on the matter.

The minister also delivered a strong warning to Tehran, saying any Iranian attack linked to developments in Lebanon would trigger a forceful response from Israel.

“We will not compromise on Israel’s paramount security interest and the protection of our citizens, and we will not withdraw from the security zones.”

“If Iran attacks Israel over the events in Lebanon, we will strike it with full force and clearly demonstrate the disparity in our capabilities.”

The remarks underscore Israel’s determination to maintain its military footprint in the region despite diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end.

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