Katz: IDF will stay in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza security zones indefinitely, rejects withdrawal pressure

Defense Minister Israel Katz clarified on Monday that Israel's security policy is anchored in maintaining physical control over buffer zones to prevent future jihadist incursions. According to Katz, the IDF will remain in these designated security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza "without a time limit." He emphasized that these areas will be cleared of local residents and that all terror infrastructure—both above and below ground—will be destroyed, including homes in contact-line villages that served as terror outposts.

Strategic Buffer and U.S. Coordination

Katz described the establishment of these zones as one of the IDF's most significant achievements since the outbreak of the war. He stated that the government opposes any withdrawal from Lebanon despite international pressure. This position, according to Katz, was communicated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to President Trump, and by Katz himself to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during their meeting yesterday. The Defense Minister noted that the IDF leadership supports maintaining these zones on professional security grounds.

Regional Warnings and Domestic Criticism

The announcement comes amid reports of a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding that allegedly includes a cessation of Israeli operations in Lebanon. Katz addressed this directly, warning: "If Iran attacks Israel because of the events in Lebanon, we will strike it with full force." While Lebanese officials, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, welcomed the reported inclusion of Lebanon in regional understandings, Israeli opposition leaders expressed sharp criticism. Benny Gantz warned against restricting Israel's freedom of action, while Yair Golan described the reported deal as a strategic failure. Meanwhile, the Home Front Command lifted nationwide gathering restrictions that had been imposed on Sunday, signaling a temporary stabilization in the immediate threat level.