DM Katz: We clarified to US that the IDF will stay in Lebanon 'indefinitely'
Following the announcement of a deal between the U.S. and Iran, Defense Minister Israel Katz clarified that he and Prime Minister Netanyahu "are leading a clear policy that stipulates that the IDF will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely, in order to protect the border and Israeli communities."
Citing this as a "principal lesson of the events of October 7," Katz vowed that "the area will be cleared of local residents, and all terrorist infrastructure—both underground and above ground—including the houses in the border adjacent villages that served as terrorist outposts, will be destroyed."
"Therefore, we oppose an IDF withdrawal from Lebanon, despite all the existing pressures and any future pressures that may arise," he said, adding this was conveyed to the Trump administration as well and that the IDF "supports this position from a professional military and security standpoint."
"If Iran attacks Israel because of developments in Lebanon, we will strike it with full force and clearly demonstrate the disparity in power between us," Katz promised.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
