US Challenges Israeli Defense Minister Katz Over Permanent Presence in South Lebanon

The Trump administration in Washington has expressed opposition to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's recent declaration about maintaining a permanent Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon. A senior US State Department official clarified that a permanent Israeli presence in Lebanese territory contradicts the framework agreement reached between the parties. The official emphasized that the United States expects both Israel and Lebanon to adhere to the framework agreement, noting that Israel has already committed to not holding Lebanese territory permanently.

The US official stated, "The United States expects all parties to act in accordance with the framework agreement they agreed upon, and Israel has made it clear it has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon. A permanent Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon is inconsistent with the commitments made in the framework agreement and does not align with the long-term peace and security of both countries."

Washington also stressed that the agreement does not call for an unconditional Israeli withdrawal. The process is to be gradual and contingent on Hezbollah's disarmament and the destruction of its infrastructure in a verifiable manner. The official explained that the framework agreement outlines a phased redeployment of the Israel Defense Forces, dependent on Hezbollah's disarmament and infrastructure destruction. The Lebanese army is currently implementing initial pilot zones, and the US will continue supporting the full implementation of this process.

This US response came shortly after Katz toured southern Lebanon and stated that Israel is preparing to remain in the security zone long-term. Katz instructed the IDF to prepare accordingly, saying, "The IDF is here to remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza to protect the entire State of Israel. I have instructed the IDF to take all necessary steps to prepare for a long-term presence on the ground. As the Prime Minister and I have made clear, we are not withdrawing from this security zone."