Retired IDF Colonel Urges Caution on Troop Withdrawal from Gaza and Lebanon

A retired Israel Defense Forces (IDF) colonel has advised against a hasty withdrawal of troops from Gaza and Lebanon, warning that premature departures could allow adversaries to regroup. Oren Zini, former commander of the Tz'elim training base, stated in a September 4, 2026, interview with 103FM radio that while security forces have demonstrated exceptional operational capabilities in both the southern and northern fronts, diplomatic agreements should not force the army to abandon secured positions before missions are complete.

Zini, as reported by The Jerusalem Post, praised the actions of the security services following the arrest of a Hamas leader, but cautioned Israeli leadership against agreements that would necessitate an early troop pullout. He highlighted that current state policy enables troops to operate in previously inaccessible areas, allowing the IDF to penetrate deep into Hamas and Hezbollah strongholds, effectively neutralizing them from within.

However, Zini emphasized that these tactical successes would be insufficient if Israel relinquishes control of cleared areas as part of a diplomatic settlement. He cited the 2000 withdrawal from the security zone in southern Lebanon as a detrimental precedent, arguing that this retreat led to Hezbollah's significant strengthening along Israel's northern border.

Concluding his remarks, Zini expressed concern that future agreements might restrict the IDF's operational freedom and compel a withdrawal before the complete defeat of enemy forces.