Katz Says Israel Will Keep Security Zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Friday afternoon that Israel is preparing to keep acting independently against Iran and will not withdraw from security zones in Lebanon, Syria or Gaza. He spoke amid reports of a possible Iran deal, saying the United States, under President Donald Trump, is pursuing an agreement based on American interests, including the shared goal with Israel of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Katz said Israel expects Washington to uphold that principle, along with restrictions on missiles and proxy forces. He added that Israel and the United States have already inflicted severe blows on Iran that pushed its capabilities back by years. Katz said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the IDF to ensure Israel will retain the ability to act independently in the future to stop Iran from going nuclear.

The minister said the IDF would continue guarding Israel’s borders from Mount Hermon, the Lebanese mountains, parts of Samaria and most of Gaza, against what he called jihadist forces and organizations, framing this as a lesson from the October 7 attacks. He also said the army will not withdraw from terror camps in northern Samaria, which he said had been cleared of residents, and warned the campaign could expand to additional camps if necessary.

Katz said Israel’s security doctrine is to confront threats near and far and seek decisive outcomes rather than compromises or concessions. He said the stakes are high and pledged to keep pursuing a firm security policy that protects Israel’s gains. He ended by praising the IDF leadership, regular, career and reserve soldiers, northern residents, bereaved families and wounded troops for what he called their sacrifice and heroism.