Israel says it will keep indefinite occupation of southern Lebanon, Syria and Gaza despite US‑Iran ceasefire

Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, announced that the Israel Defence Forces will maintain control over the so‑called “security zones” in southern Lebanon, the Golan Heights in Syria and the Gaza Strip without a set withdrawal date. He said the troops will remain to protect Israel’s borders and that local residents will be displaced while any militant infrastructure will be destroyed. Katz added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has communicated this position to U.S. President Donald Trump, stressing that the recent U.S.–Iran agreement to end the war does not bind Israel.

Nationalist ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich called for harsher actions against Lebanon, urging the demolition of buildings in Beirut and the expansion of attacks. The statements come after two “suspected aerial targets” struck Israel’s north near the Lebanese border, causing no injuries. The policy heightens regional tension and signals Israel’s refusal to retreat from territories it deems essential for security.