Key facts
- Israel plans to maintain an indefinite troop presence in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
- Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz made the declaration about troop presence.
- The troop presence will be in designated "security zones".
- Palestinians and neighboring countries view the troop presence as a violation of international law.
- The Israeli army detonated a large explosion near Rashaf in southern Lebanon.
- Lebanon's National News Agency reported the explosion near Rashaf.
- The IDF destroyed an underground Hezbollah tunnel complex in Majdal Zoun.
- The tunnel complex contained hundreds of weapons and launch shafts directed toward Israel.
- Syria's foreign minister visited Beirut to meet Lebanese leaders.
- U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Syria combat Hezbollah.
- Damascus has denied rumors of intervention by Syria.
- Syria emphasizes a desire to avoid regional conflict.
Israel intends to sustain an indefinite troop presence in "security zones" across Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, as declared by Defense Minister Israel Katz. This policy decision is seen as a significant obstacle to potential ceasefire negotiations and has been characterized by Palestinians and neighboring countries as a breach of international law. The Israeli military has also engaged in operations in southern Lebanon, detonating a large explosion near the town of Rashaf, as reported by Lebanon's National News Agency. Furthermore, the IDF dismantled an underground tunnel network belonging to Hezbollah in Majdal Zoun, which reportedly housed hundreds of weapons and launch sites aimed at Israel.
In parallel developments, Syria's foreign minister traveled to Beirut to engage with Lebanese leadership. This visit occurred in the wake of comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that Syria should take action against Hezbollah. Syrian officials have publicly refuted any involvement or intention to intervene, stressing their commitment to avoiding broader regional conflict. The Syrian foreign minister's visit underscores the complex geopolitical landscape and the ongoing efforts to manage escalating tensions in the region.