Defense Minister Says Israel Will Stay in Security Zones Despite International Criticism

At a foundation-laying ceremony for the Doran community in southern Mount Hebron, Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed the fighting in Lebanon in the context of the U.S.-Iran agreement. He said Israel has no intention of leaving the security zones it controls.

"We are not going to leave the security areas," Katz said, adding that there would be international criticism but that Israel would not give up those positions. He said the Lebanese front remained active despite the broader diplomatic backdrop.

Katz also said Israeli forces had reached Beirut, saying, "In Lebanon we reached Beirut, but not only that." He said Israel is working to prevent tunnels and is systematically destroying terrorist infrastructure in all villages near the border fence.