US pushes back as Katz says IDF will not withdraw from security zone in southern Lebanon

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not withdraw from the security zone in southern Lebanon and has ordered preparations for a long-term presence.

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A permanent military presence in southern Lebanon is inconsistent with the commitments made under the understandings, as well as with the long-term peace and security of both countries.

In response, a senior US State Department official clarified that Washington views a permanent Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon as inconsistent with the commitments made under existing understandings. The official emphasized that the United States expects all parties to adhere to the agreed framework, stating, "The United States expects all parties to act in a manner consistent with the framework they agreed to."

The US official further stressed that Israel has clearly stated it has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon. However, the withdrawal is expected to be conditional on the verified disarmament of Hezbollah and the dismantling of its infrastructure. The official noted that the Lebanese Armed Forces have begun implementing "initial pilot zones" and that the US will continue to support the full implementation of this process.

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The United States expects all parties to act in a manner consistent with the framework they agreed to.

Katz made his remarks during a visit to IDF troops in Lebanon, asserting that Israel did not intend to withdraw from its currently held areas. The defense minister's stance appears to set a course for continued Israeli military presence despite US objections.

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As the prime minister and I have made unequivocally clear, we are not withdrawing from this security z