Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday that Israeli forces will remain in self-proclaimed security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely, with no set timeline for withdrawal. Speaking at a function honoring Israeli soldiers killed during the 2006 war in Lebanon, Katz stated, 'The IDF will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza indefinitely in order to protect our residents and communities from jihadist elements. We will not withdraw from the security zones.'
US-Sponsored Framework Agreement
Katz's remarks come days after Israel and Lebanon signed a US-sponsored framework agreement on Friday aimed at paving the way for peace and disarming the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. Despite the agreement, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have repeatedly ruled out withdrawing troops from southern Lebanon, insisting that any withdrawal would only occur after Hezbollah is completely disarmed across Lebanon.
Continued Clashes and Casualties
Israeli forces continue to clash with Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. The conflict escalated in early March when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, claiming retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Israel responded with massive airstrikes and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon. According to Lebanon's health ministry, nearly 4,300 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since the war erupted. The Israeli military reports 38 soldiers and one civilian contractor killed in Lebanon since early March.
Operations in Syria and Gaza
In addition to Lebanon, Israel has conducted repeated incursions and bombings in Syria following the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar Assad, aiming to establish a demilitarized zone in the country's south. In Gaza, Israeli forces now occupy nearly 70 percent of the territory. Both Hamas and the Israeli military accuse each other of violating the ceasefire that has been in effect since October last year.
Warning to Iran
Katz also reiterated an earlier warning to Iran, stating that the Islamic republic would be struck with 'full force' if it attacked Israel over its operations in Lebanon. This statement underscores the broader regional tensions and the potential for further escalation.
