Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Sunday evening that Israel has no intention of pulling back from the Beaufort outpost or from the wider security zone in southern Lebanon. He said Beaufort is “an inseparable part” of that zone and is essential for protecting Galilee communities and IDF forces. Katz added, “As Prime Minister Netanyahu and I made clear, Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon.”
His statement came amid recent reports and assessments about possible arrangements in southern Lebanon as diplomatic talks continue in the region. The remarks were issued against the backdrop of negotiations in Switzerland between the United States and Iran, and of speculation that future understandings could change the deployment of forces in southern Lebanon.
Earlier on Sunday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir toured southern Lebanon and said IDF activity in the Al-Tayr and Beaufort areas is aimed first and foremost at protecting northern Israeli communities. Zamir warned that the current ceasefire is “fragile” and said the army is maintaining a high level of readiness in case fighting resumes.
