Israel tells Pentagon chief will keep troops in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza 'security zones'

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz informed his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, of Israel's firm resolve to keep its troops stationed in "security zones" established within Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip. Katz emphasized that these deployments are crucial for protecting Israel's borders and nearby communities from militant threats.

"We have never asked the United States to act in our place along our borders," Katz stated, underscoring Israel's independent stance on border security. This declaration comes shortly after reports, citing US news outlet Axios, that US President Donald Trump had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli forces from Syria and Lebanon.

According to Axios, Trump conveyed to Netanyahu that the Israeli military presence was escalating tensions in Syria, reportedly saying, "They don't want you there. You should redeploy." This reported exchange highlights a potential divergence in US and Israeli approaches to regional security.

Israel has maintained a military presence in various capacities across these areas. Following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Israeli troops entered a UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights. Israel has also conducted numerous incursions and bombings in Syria, advocating for a demilitarized zone in the country's south. In Lebanon, Israeli forces occupy a zone extending approximately 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory, amidst ongoing US-brokered talks aimed at a phased Israeli withdrawal. In Gaza, the Israeli military controls a significant portion of the territory and its external perimeter.

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We have never asked the United States to act in our place along our borders.