Israel Katz says the IDF will maintain an open-ended presence in buffer zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, rejecting any pressure to withdraw. He described the territorial buffer as a key achievement of the war and the main lesson of October 7.
Defense Minister Israel Katz made the statement Monday morning, reiterating that the IDF will stay in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza 'without time limit' to protect Israeli border communities from jihadist threats. Katz said the areas will be cleared of local residents and all terror infrastructure above and below ground will be destroyed, including houses in contact villages that served as terror outposts. He framed the policy as the main lesson of October 7, and directly linked it to the cabinet's rejection of IDF withdrawal from Lebanon despite existing and future pressures. The statement echoes the position Katz and Prime Minister Netanyahu have held in recent weeks, as reported by The Zioneer on June 12, including a warning that Israel is not bound by any Lebanon-related clause in a potential US-Iran deal.
2 developments
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- StrongSenior Israeli officials: US understands Israel will not compromise on Lebanon withdrawal
- StrongKatz: Israel will not relinquish gains in Iran negotiations
- StrongIsrael will not leave Lebanon but won't strike if ceasefire holds, sources say
Source and signal
- Internal intake