Katz: Netanyahu told Trump Israel won't withdraw from Lebanon, Syria, Gaza security zones

Defense Minister Israel Katz has solidified Israel's security posture regarding its territorial buffers, characterizing the control of these zones as one of the IDF's most significant achievements in the current conflict. According to material reviewed by The Zioneer Intelligence Desk, Katz asserted that the policy of maintaining these zones is the primary lesson of the October 7 massacre. The plan involves clearing these areas of local residents and systematically dismantling all terrorist infrastructure, including residences in border villages that served as forward positions for Hezbollah.### Diplomatic Coordination and Red LinesKatz revealed that this position has been communicated at the highest diplomatic levels. Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly clarified the stance to President Trump and other senior American officials. Katz himself reiterated this policy to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during their meeting on Sunday. The Defense Minister emphasized that the IDF supports this position professionally, viewing physical control of the territory as the only reliable guarantee against future jihadist incursions.### Warning to IranAddressing the broader regional context, Katz issued a direct warning to the Iranian regime. He stated that should Iran choose to attack Israel in response to the situation in Lebanon, Israel would respond with its "full force" to demonstrate the disparity in military capabilities. This firm stance comes as Jerusalem signals it is not bound by specific clauses in the emerging U.S.-Tehran framework that might require a withdrawal from southern Lebanon.