Defense Minister Israel Katz described the framework agreement signed yesterday by the U.S., Israel, and Lebanon as a historic diplomatic and security achievement that may reshape the northern border for the first time in decades. Katz stressed that Israel retains the security zone in southern Lebanon, including the Beaufort ridge, and will maintain freedom of action until Hezbollah is disarmed nationwide. He called the pact a strategic blow to the Iranian axis.
**Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the trilateral framework agreement signed yesterday (Friday) between the United States, Israel, and Lebanon as a historic diplomatic and security achievement for Israel**, in a statement Saturday evening. Katz said the deal, which follows weeks of negotiations, has the potential to shape a new and more secure reality on the northern border and in Lebanon for the first time in decades, and to strengthen the long-term security of Israeli civilians.
Katz reiterated the core principle articulated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Israel has not withdrawn from Lebanon, retains the security zone in southern Lebanon — including the Beaufort Castle ridge — and maintains full freedom of action for the IDF to thwart threats to troops and northern communities. The deal stipulates that there will be no Israeli redeployment or withdrawal from southern Lebanon as long as the Hezbollah terror organization is not disarmed throughout Lebanon, Katz said, calling this the fundamental condition to which he and the prime minister are committed.
The defense minister framed the agreement as an expression of the IDF's achievements and the heroism of its soldiers, as well as the resilience of northern residents during a complex and challenging period. He described the deal as a strategic blow to the Iranian axis, noting that Iran had tried to force an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon through threats and pressure on the U.S., and had failed.
As The Zioneer reported previously, Netanyahu had conveyed to President Trump that Israel would not withdraw from its security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. Katz had likewise rejected withdrawal pressure in earlier statements, warning Tehran of a full-force response. The framework agreement signed yesterday formalizes Israel's retention of the southern Lebanon security zone as a central condition.
5 developments
- DevelopingDefense Minister: Israel has no intention of withdrawing from Beaufort security zone in Lebanon
- StrongKatz: IDF will stay in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza security zones indefinitely, rejects withdrawal pressure
- StrongKatz: IDF to remain up to Beaufort heights, any ceasefire violation met with force
- StrongKatz warns Iran: Any attack on Israel over Lebanon will draw 'full-force' response
Source and signal
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