Israeli Defense Minister Katz: We Will Not Withdraw from Lebanon

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told U.S. President Donald Trump that the provisions of the agreement reached between the U.S. and Iran regarding Lebanon are not binding for the Tel Aviv administration and that they will continue their attacks. Katz said, “Prime Minister Netanyahu and I are pursuing a clear policy that foresees the Israeli army remaining indefinitely in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. The aim is to protect the border and Israeli settlements from jihadist elements from these regions.”

Stating that he spoke with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Katz said, “We will not compromise on Israel's security interests and the protection of our citizens; we will not withdraw from the security zones. If Iran attacks Israel, we will respond with all our might. We are only responsible for our citizens and the security of Israel.”