Tel Aviv, June 15: The United States and Iran have announced a peace agreement following extensive negotiations. However, Israel is visibly displeased with the US-Iran deal. In unequivocal terms, Israel has stated that it will not withdraw from southern Lebanon.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that following the ceasefire announcement between the US and Iran, Israel will maintain its presence in southern Lebanon, which includes the ongoing fight against Hezbollah.
In a statement, Katz said, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I are following a clear policy, under which the IDF will remain in the security zones of Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely, to protect the border and Israeli communities from jihadist elements.”
He added that local residents would be removed from the security zone, and all terrorist infrastructures, including homes in contact-line villages, would be dismantled. These homes have been used as secret hideouts by terrorists.
Katz noted that maintaining control over the security zone is one of the IDF’s greatest successes in warfare. Therefore, we oppose any withdrawal of the IDF from Lebanon, regardless of current pressures or future challenges.
He stated, “Prime Minister Netanyahu made this clear to President Trump and other senior US officials. I have also communicated this to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The IDF supports maintaining control over the security zone in Lebanon. We will not compromise on Israel’s security interests and the safety of our citizens. We will not retreat from the security zone.”
Katz also warned that if Iran attacks Israel due to events in Lebanon, Israel will respond with full force. Our commitment is solely to the safety of our citizens and Israel.
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K.K./PM
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