Israeli defence minister reaffirms troops will remain in southern Lebanon
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated on Sunday that Israeli forces would remain in a security zone in southern Lebanon, reiterating Israel's condition that withdrawal depends on Hezbollah's disarmament. Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have rejected the legitimacy of an ongoing Israeli military presence, describing it as a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and the ceasefire agreement.
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Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared on Sunday that Israeli forces would not withdraw from a security zone in southern Lebanon that Israel considers a Hezbollah stronghold. His statement reiterates a position he has repeatedly expressed in recent months: Israeli troops will remain in the buffer area until Hezbollah is completely disarmed, a demand that Hezbollah has previously rejected.
The remarks come amid continuing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border following the ceasefire that ended the most intense phase of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli officials argue that a continued military presence in parts of southern Lebanon is necessary to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military infrastructure near the border. Israel has maintained this position despite pressure from other countries, including the United States, to complete a full withdrawal.
Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have rejected the legitimacy of a continued Israeli troop presence on Lebanese territory. They view it as a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and of the ceasefire arrangement. The legal and security justifications presented by each side have not been independently verified.
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