Defense Minister Israel Katz reaffirmed Wednesday that Israel will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, saying the policy holds regardless of any U.S. demands. The remarks echo and escalate his statement at the MUNI EXPO 2026 conference earlier in the day, according to Israeli media.
Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday afternoon doubled down on his earlier remarks from the MUNI EXPO 2026 conference, declaring that Israel will not evacuate the southern Lebanon security zone even if the United States demands it. The statement, circulated via official channels, comes as the Biden administration has reportedly increased pressure on Israel to withdraw as part of a broader diplomatic framework with Iran.
Earlier Wednesday, Katz told the conference in Tel Aviv that the government's policy is to keep soldiers in the area while preventing the return of both civilians and militants, describing the infrastructure there as destroyed and hazardous. Today's expanded message goes further by explicitly preempting U.S. demands — a notable escalation in tone.
As The Zioneer reported at 13:14, Katz had already stated at the conference that Israel 'will not withdraw from southern Lebanon.' The new remarks reinforce that position and make clear it applies regardless of external pressure. The thread follows weeks of signals from Prime Minister Netanyahu, who told aides earlier this month that withdrawal from southern Lebanon is a 'red line' and told President Trump directly that Israel 'will not leave Lebanon' — both positions The Zioneer covered.
2 developments
- DevelopingSenior Israeli security official: IDF will not withdraw from southern Lebanon
- DevelopingDefense Minister: Israel has no intention of withdrawing from Beaufort security zone in Lebanon
- StrongEnergy Minister Eli Cohen: Israel must reject any US dictate to withdraw from Lebanon
- StrongIsrael's US envoy: No withdrawal from southern Lebanon under Iran deal
Source and signal
- Internal intake