- Israel Katz, during a tour in southern Lebanon, stated that the Israeli occupation will continue without a time limit.
- The US State Department criticized Katz's comments, stating that a permanent Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon is inconsistent with the commitments made under the framework agreement.
- Katz clarified that Israel will not withdraw from southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed.
- A US official reiterated support for Lebanon's territorial integrity and the gradual redeployments of the IDF.
- The Trump administration criticized Katz's comments, stating they contravened commitments made by the Israeli government under the agreement signed with the US and Lebanon.
- The framework agreement includes a path for gradual redeployments of the IDF, contingent upon Hezbollah's disarmament and the destruction of its infrastructure.
- Hezbollah opposes discussions regarding its weapons until an Israeli withdrawal occurs.
Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that Israeli forces will maintain their presence in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed, a statement that has drawn sharp criticism from the Trump administration. Katz's comments, made during a visit to southern Lebanon, suggested an indefinite occupation, contradicting the U.S.-brokered framework agreement with Lebanon.13567
A senior U.S. State Department official emphasized that a permanent Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon is inconsistent with commitments made under the framework agreement, which aims for the gradual redeployment of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) contingent on Hezbollah's disarmament. The official stated, “The United States expects all parties to act in accordance with the framework agreement they have agreed upon”.2
Katz, during his tour, asserted, “The IDF is here to stay in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza and to protect the entire State of Israel”. He further noted that the IDF has been instructed to prepare for a long-term presence until the threat from Hezbollah is eliminated.
The U.S. has reiterated its support for Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty, with the Lebanese military currently implementing pilot zones as part of the disarmament process. “The Lebanese military was implementing the first pilot zones and Washington will continue to support full implementation of that process,” the U.S. official added.4
Local sentiments reflect a strong opposition to the Israeli presence, with Beirut resident Hussam Mneimeh stating, “Israel cannot remain occupiers”, highlighting the historical context of previous occupations and withdrawals.
“The US State Department insists a permanent Israeli presence contradicts the framework agreement, which outlines gradual IDF redeployments as Hezbollah disarms. The Lebanese army is implementing first pilot zones, while Hezbollah, founded by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, has ruled out discussing its weapons before an Israeli withdrawal.”
Arab News
