Israeli Defense Minister Vows Permanent Presence in West Bank, Rejects Withdrawal from Lebanon Security Zone

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz participated in a ceremony marking the return to the settlement of Ganim in the West Bank on Thursday, where he reaffirmed Israel's commitment to maintaining its presence in the area. Katz contrasted the Israeli presence in the West Bank with that in southern Lebanon, following his recent visit to the Lebanon security zone. He described seeing the Bofor fortress, retaken by the Golani Brigade after 44 years, and the destruction of Hezbollah's terror tunnels, which were neutralized with 700 tons of explosives.

Katz highlighted the devastation of Lebanese border villages that served as Hezbollah outposts, emphasizing that Israel has removed the threat posed by these positions. He stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) currently control 700 square kilometers of the Lebanon security zone, which remains uninhabited except for Israeli forces, with terror infrastructure destroyed both above and below ground.

The defense minister stressed a shift in Israeli security doctrine towards decisive military victory and threat elimination, citing the October 7 attacks as a lesson. Katz declared that Israel will not withdraw from the Lebanon security zone until Hezbollah is disarmed and the threat eliminated. He instructed the IDF to prepare for a prolonged presence to protect soldiers and settlements.

Regarding the West Bank, Katz asserted that the area is "our home, the land of our ancestors," and Israel will remain there permanently. His remarks come amid sharp U.S. criticism of Israel's continued military presence in southern Lebanon, which Washington says contradicts prior agreements. Additionally, recent settler actions in the West Bank village of Khosra sparked diplomatic tensions with the U.S., with Ambassador Mike Herzog condemning the settlers as "Israeli terrorists." Katz expressed hope for a future peace agreement with Lebanon that excludes Hezbollah and secures recognized borders.

Summary: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reaffirmed Israel's permanent presence in the West Bank and vowed not to withdraw from the Lebanon security zone until Hezbollah is disarmed, following his visit to the area. His statements come amid U.S. criticism and diplomatic tensions over Israeli actions in both regions.