Israel Won't Leave Southern Lebanon Even if US Demands It: Katz
Katz said 200,000 residents will not return and that Hezbollah’s armed presence makes an Israeli pullout impossible.
- On Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared the Israel Defense Forces will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, even if the United States demands it, marking the first time a top Israeli official has publicly defied Washington on this issue.
- Addressing the Muni Expo conference, Katz argued that Israel's security doctrine requires an operational presence inside hostile territory to protect northern communities from attacks and ensure soldier safety.
- "Two hundred thousand residents will not return," Katz added, explaining that maintaining control within security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza prevents explosives and attacks against soldiers.
- Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ignore President Donald Trump, calling on him to resist United States pressure regarding Lebanon operations.
- Israel views Hezbollah as an existential threat and a critical opportunity to eliminate the group, while Tehran has repeatedly demanded Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon as a condition for lasting peace within the broader MOU.
43 Articles
43 Articles
An Israeli drone strike against a vehicle in southern Lebanon also killed three people on Thursday, according to the official news agency Ani.
Katz says Israel will not withdraw from Lebanon even if US demands it
Katz says Israel will not withdraw from Lebanon even if US demands it Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel will maintain its presence in Lebanon and does not intend to withdraw, even if the US pressures it to do so. "There is no American demand for Israel to withdraw from Lebanon," Katz said during an interview. "And in any case, we will not withdraw," he said. Israel has repeatedly rejected calls to withdraw troops from southern Le…
From "Never Again" to Israel’s "Gates of Hell" in Gaza and Lebanon
Israel’s politicians and generals have a strategy: not security, not coexistence. It is the oldest colonial formula in history: seize the land, expel the indigenous population, and then call the defenders terrorists. On March 16, Israel invaded South Lebanon under the pretext of protecting its Jewish-only colonies in the north. At first, it was a so-called security zone ranging from four to six miles inside Lebanon. This was followed by ordering…
Israel creates more trouble for US with new Lebanon declaration as Iran watches Hezbollah war unfold
Israel has doubled down on its military presence in southern Lebanon, with Defence Minister Israel Katz declaring that Israeli forces will not withdraw even under U.S. pressure. The remarks come as Washington attempts to advance a broader understanding with Iran and reassure regional allies, raising fresh questions about whether the Lebanon front could complicate wider diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
