Israeli Defense Minister Katz Affirms Independent Military Presence in Lebanon

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a firm statement on Thursday affirming that Israel operates independently in Lebanon and does not require approval from any external party to enter or remain there. His remarks came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's comments at the NATO summit, where Trump suggested Israel might withdraw from Lebanon.

Katz emphasized Israel's right and duty to protect residents of the Galilee region against threats from the jihadist terrorist organization Hezbollah, which he described as intent on destroying Israel. He detailed that Hezbollah had attacked Israel twice on its own initiative following Hamas's deadly assault on October 7 and at the start of Israel's "Roaring Lion" operation in Iran, firing upon Israel under Tehran's orders.

The defense minister highlighted Israel's strong military response over the past two and a half years, which severely degraded Hezbollah's capabilities and leadership, including its chief terrorist Nasrallah. Katz credited the political leadership, IDF command, and soldiers' bravery, alongside the resilience of northern Israeli residents, for establishing a robust security zone in Lebanon.

This security zone extends from the Mediterranean coast in the west to the Bofor area and the approaches to Mount Hermon in the east. It is cleared of civilians and terrorist infrastructure both above and below ground to protect Galilee residents from raids, anti-tank fire, and direct threats. Katz reiterated that Israel will maintain its presence in this zone and operate from it as long as necessary until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon and the threat to northern Israel is eliminated.

Concluding, Katz affirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and he are committed to ensuring the security of northern Israel, stating, "We promised security to the residents of the north, and we have delivered and will continue to do so." The statement underscores Israel's determination to continue its military activities in Lebanon regardless of international pressures or foreign statements.