Israel Defense Minister Declares Troops Will Remain Indefinitely in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza

Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz announced that the Israeli Defence Forces will stay in the self‑declared “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip for an unlimited period, saying, “The IDF will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza indefinitely in order to protect our residents and communities from jihadist elements.” The statement was made at a ceremony commemorating soldiers killed in the 2006 Lebanon war and follows a U.S‑backed framework agreement with Lebanon that calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the policy, warning Iran that any retaliation would be met with “full force” and urging Hezbollah and Iran to “Get out of here.” Israeli officials have ruled out any withdrawal from southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed, noting that Israeli forces now control roughly one‑fifth of Lebanese territory. Discussions about a pilot Israeli withdrawal from two zones in southern Lebanon have been postponed pending a joint monitoring mechanism, with the United States playing a key role in approving the mechanism.

The policy has heightened tensions with Iran and Hezbollah, who view the framework as insufficient, and has spurred protests in Beirut. Casualty figures since the conflict’s escalation in March show nearly 4,300 Lebanese deaths and ongoing Israeli incursions in Syria and Gaza.