Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday that the safety of Israeli civilians and troops is paramount, and that IDF commanders and soldiers have full backing from the prime minister, the defense establishment, and the military top brass. He reiterated that the IDF will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon to protect northern communities, neutralize threats, and destroy terror infrastructure above and below ground.
Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a statement Monday evening reaffirming the government's full support for IDF operations across all fronts. The message, disseminated through official channels, emphasized that the safety of Israeli civilians and military personnel is the highest consideration, and that commanders and soldiers have complete freedom of action against any threat in southern Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, and wherever else necessary.
Katz specifically underscored that the IDF will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon to protect Israel's northern communities, preempt threats, and destroy terror infrastructure both above and below ground. The statement comes amid ongoing military operations and political pressure regarding the scope and duration of Israel's deployment in southern Lebanon.
As The Zioneer reported over the past week, Katz has repeatedly stressed that the IDF's achievements in the Lebanon campaign are being preserved, and that there is no intention to withdraw under pressure. The defense minister's latest comments reinforce the position he and Prime Minister Netanyahu have conveyed directly to the Trump administration, that Israel's security zone presence is open-ended and a key lesson of October 7.
2 developments
- StrongKatz: IDF will stay in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza security zones indefinitely, rejects withdrawal pressure
- StrongIDF: Forces remain in southern Lebanon following political directive
- DevelopingChief of Staff tells commanders in south Lebanon: Mission remains protecting north, fighting continues
- DevelopingSenior Israeli security official: IDF will not withdraw from southern Lebanon
Source and signal
- Internal intake