Key facts
- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces will remain indefinitely in occupied territories in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.
- The stated purpose for remaining in these "security zones" is to protect Israeli residents and communities from "jihadist elements."
- The declaration was made during a visit to army positions in southern Lebanon.
- Israel and Lebanon recently signed a US-sponsored peace framework agreement.
- Israel has conducted repeated incursions into Syria, aiming to establish a demilitarized zone.
- Israeli forces occupy approximately 70% of Gaza.
Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared that Israeli military forces will remain indefinitely in occupied territories in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, citing the need to protect Israeli residents and communities from "jihadist elements." The statement was made during a visit to army positions in southern Lebanon.
Katz reiterated a warning to Iran, stating that the Islamic republic would face a "full force" strike if it attacked Israel in response to its operations in Lebanon. This declaration comes shortly after Israel and Lebanon signed a US-sponsored framework agreement on June 26 aimed at establishing peace and disarming the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have consistently stated that troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon would only occur after Hezbollah is disarmed across the country. The conflict in Lebanon began in early March, with Hezbollah initiating rocket fire towards Israel, leading to Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion. According to Lebanon's health ministry, nearly 4,300 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since the war erupted, while the Israeli military reports the loss of 38 soldiers and one civilian contractor.
Israel has also conducted repeated incursions and bombings in Syria, with the stated goal of establishing a demilitarized zone in the country's south. In Gaza, Israeli forces currently occupy approximately 70 percent of the territory. Both Hamas and the Israeli military have accused each other of violating the ceasefire that has been in effect since October 2025.