Katz Says Israel Will Not Withdraw from Southern Lebanon, Even Under U.S. Pressure

Defense Minister Israel Katz said at a Local Government Center conference that the IDF will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, even if the United States demands it. He said Israel will also remain in the security zone in Syria and Lebanon, calling that approach part of Israel’s security doctrine.

According to Katz, the IDF must operate on the enemy’s side of the line and defend communities from inside the territory itself. He summarized the policy with the formula, "soldiers inside, residents outside," and added, "We are not withdrawing."