US Criticizes Israeli Defense Minister Katz's Plan for Indefinite Military Presence in South Lebanon

The Trump administration has criticized Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's recent declaration that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain an indefinite presence in the security zone in southern Lebanon. Following Katz's visit to the area, where he stated that Israel does not intend to withdraw from the security zone, the US State Department clarified that a permanent Israeli military presence in Lebanese territory contradicts Israel's commitments under the framework agreement between the two countries.

Katz asserted that the IDF is prepared to take all necessary measures for a long-term deployment in the security zones of Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza to protect Israel. He emphasized that both he and Prime Minister Netanyahu have made it clear that Israel will not retreat from this security zone.

In response, a senior US State Department official, Barak Ravid, stressed that the United States expects all parties to adhere to the framework agreement. The official reiterated that Israel has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon, and a permanent Israeli military presence there would conflict with the agreement and undermine long-term peace and security for both nations.

However, the US official also noted that the agreement does not require an immediate or unconditional Israeli withdrawal. Instead, it allows for a phased redeployment and withdrawal of Israeli forces, contingent upon Hezbollah's disarmament and the destruction of its military infrastructure, which must be verifiable. The Lebanese army has already begun implementing the plan in selected pilot areas, and the US intends to continue supporting the agreement's implementation.