Katz Says Israel Will Remain in “Security Zones” in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza

Israeli Defence Minister Yisrael Katz said Israel will maintain its military presence in what he described as “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, despite previous withdrawal arrangements and international calls for an end to Israeli military deployments in occupied areas.

Speaking from southern Lebanon near the Litani River, Katz said Israeli forces would remain in the area and highlighted a recent military exercise there. He claimed Israel had defeated Hezbollah and taken control of Beaufort Castle, which he described as strategically important for protecting northern Israeli communities.

Katz said the Israeli-declared security zone extends from the Mediterranean coast to Beaufort Castle and toward Mount Hermon. He argued that maintaining troops there was necessary to protect Israeli civilians and soldiers, signalling that Israel does not intend to fully withdraw from the areas it considers strategically important.