Israel Refuses To Withdraw Troops From Lebanon, Syria, And Gaza Amid Rising Tensions

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz on Monday said that Israeli forces would continue to remain deployed in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip indefinitely, reiterating a long-term security policy aimed at protecting Israeli borders and communities from what he described as “jihadist elements.” The statement came shortly after reports of a United States-Iran agreement to end hostilities in the wider Middle East, including Lebanon.

Katz said that under the current policy, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would maintain control of designated “security zones” across the three territories for an unlimited period. He stated that the objective was to ensure border security and prevent attacks on Israeli civilians, adding that the military presence would remain in place regardless of international pressure or diplomatic developments.

The defence minister further said that the affected areas would be cleared of local residents and that all militant infrastructure—both above and below ground—would be dismantled. He specifically referred to frontline villages, which he alleged had been used as operational bases by armed groups, saying these locations would no longer serve as terrorist outposts under Israel’s security strategy.

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Katz also defended Israel’s ongoing military posture, describing the maintenance of territorial control and security zones as one of the Israel Defense Forces’ key operational achievements. He emphasised that Israel opposed any withdrawal from these areas, despite what he described as existing and future diplomatic or political pressure.

In addition, Katz warned Iran that any retaliation against Israel in response to its military campaign in Lebanon would be met with what he termed “full force.” He stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had already communicated Israel’s position to US President Donald Trump, underscoring coordination with Washington amid shifting regional dynamics.

The remarks come at a time of heightened geopolitical sensitivity in the Middle East, with overlapping conflicts and recent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between major regional and global actors. Israel’s declaration of an open-ended military presence in multiple territories is likely to draw international scrutiny, particularly in light of broader calls for ceasefire arrangements and regional stabilisation efforts.

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