During a visit to southern Lebanon and a memorial ceremony, the Prime Minister and Defense Minister vowed the IDF would not withdraw from security strips in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, while expressing openness to peace negotiations with Lebanon. Defense Minister Katz also threatened a third strike on Iran if necessary.
During a visit to southern Lebanon and the state memorial ceremony for the fallen of the Second Lebanon War, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz delivered a coordinated message of indefinite military presence alongside an openness to diplomatic normalization.
Netanyahu stated Israel would remain in the 'protective strip' in southern Lebanon as long as necessary, saying 'the Lebanese envelope is inside Lebanon.' He also revealed that for the first time in years, Israeli representatives have held negotiations with Lebanon, adding that Israel will do everything to reach a peace agreement. He rejected the idea that Iran or Hezbollah could force a withdrawal.
Defense Minister Katz echoed the stance, declaring the IDF will remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza 'indefinitely' to protect Israeli communities. He additionally warned Iran, saying 'we have struck Iran twice and will strike it a third time if necessary,' and claimed Israel should be the world leader in space-based defense capabilities.
The statements come as The Zioneer has previously reported on US-Iran talks, Iranian demands linking Hormuz to Israeli withdrawal, and Israeli rejections of such conditions (Sat Jun 13, Mon Jun 15, Fri Jun 19). Katz's remarks on a potential third strike represent an escalation in rhetoric even as negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue.
No confirmation was provided on the reported preliminary agreement to release $3 billion in Iranian frozen funds, which remains unconfirmed by Israeli or US officials. The Shin Bet arrest of a U.S. citizen for alleged Iranian espionage is a separate event.
2 developments
- StrongKatz: IDF will stay in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza security zones indefinitely, rejects withdrawal pressure
- StrongKatz: Netanyahu told Trump Israel won't withdraw from Lebanon, Syria, Gaza security zones
- StrongNetanyahu, defense chiefs reaffirm IDF will maintain security zone in southern Lebanon
- StrongNetanyahu to troops in Lebanon: 'We're not leaving until the threat is gone — a punch to the Iranian axis'
Source and signal
- Internal intake