Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday the IDF will maintain an open-ended presence in security zones across Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, calling the buffer a key war achievement and the lesson of October 7. Katz warned that an Iranian attack on Israel over Lebanon would draw a full-force response, and said he and Prime Minister Netanyahu had communicated the position directly to President Trump and Secretary of Defense Hegseth.
Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday delivered the clearest public articulation yet of Israel's position on the emerging US-Iran framework, stating that the IDF will remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza "without a time limit." The remarks, made in a public briefing, come as Washington and Tehran finalize a memorandum of understanding that reportedly includes a clause calling for an end to hostilities against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Katz said he and Prime Minister Netanyahu had conveyed the policy directly to President Trump and to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in a meeting yesterday. The defense minister described the security zones as "one of the IDF's greatest achievements since October 7" and rejected any withdrawal pressure, saying Israel would not compromise its "supreme security interest."
As The Zioneer reported earlier Monday, Katz first announced the open-ended presence in a morning statement (09:50), and Netanyahu reportedly informed Trump that Israel is not bound by the Lebanon clause in the US-Iran deal. Monday afternoon's briefing added new direct quotes, including a threat of a "full-force" strike if Iran attacks Israel over the Lebanon situation, and criticism of opposition figures who support withdrawal.
Opposition leaders responded sharply. Benny Gantz called the reported agreement a "strategic failure," while Yair Golan argued the deal was made "over Israel's head." Finance Minister Smotrich rejected the framework as "bad for Israel." Meanwhile, the Home Front Command lifted nationwide gathering restrictions imposed ahead of potential Iranian retaliation, reverting to the 'green' routine status except in northern border communities.
2 developments
- StrongKatz: Netanyahu told Trump Israel won't withdraw from Lebanon, Syria, Gaza security zones
- StrongKatz: Israel will not relinquish gains in Iran negotiations
- StrongIsrael will not leave Lebanon but won't strike if ceasefire holds, sources say
- DevelopingKatz repeats Iran warning at event: Campaign far from over, IDF ready to strike hard
Source and signal
- Internal intake