US Rejects Israeli Defense Minister Katz’s Statement on Long-Term IDF Presence in South Lebanon

The Trump administration has expressed strong opposition to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s recent declaration that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain a long-term presence in southern Lebanon. The US State Department clarified that a permanent Israeli presence in Lebanon contradicts the framework agreement negotiated between Israel and Lebanon, which is contingent on Hezbollah’s verified disarmament.

A senior State Department official emphasized that the United States fully supports Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The official reiterated that the agreement includes a conditional and ongoing redeployment of forces directly linked to Hezbollah’s complete military dismantling. Lebanese army forces have already begun implementing a pilot zone in southern Lebanon, replacing the IDF’s recent withdrawal from the area.

Katz’s comments came during a visit to southern Lebanon, where he asserted that the IDF is committed to staying in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza to protect Israel. He instructed the IDF to prepare for a long-term presence, stating unequivocally that Israel will not withdraw from these security areas. Katz also boasted about the destruction of homes in certain areas, following his previous praise last month for the systematic leveling of dozens of villages in southern Lebanon, which he claimed housed Hezbollah infrastructure.

The US response underscores Washington’s insistence that all parties adhere to the agreed framework, which does not allow for Israeli territorial ambitions in Lebanon and ties military redeployment to Hezbollah’s disarmament. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between Israeli security policies and US diplomatic efforts in the region.