Israel’s defense minister says troops will stay in security zones indefinitely

Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Monday that Israel will not withdraw the IDF from security zones it controls in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip, and that the forces will remain there indefinitely to protect Israel’s borders and communities. He said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are pursuing a clear policy that keeps the army in these areas against “jihadist” threats.

Katz said the territory held by the IDF will be cleared of local residents and all terrorist infrastructure will be destroyed. He added that this includes both aboveground and underground sites, and that homes in border villages that served as terrorist outposts will be demolished. He said this approach is a central lesson drawn from the October 7 attacks.

According to Katz, taking territory and establishing security zones are “one of the great achievements of the IDF in the War of Resurrection,” carried out under political decisions and direction. He also said the government opposes any withdrawal from southern Lebanon despite international pressure.

Katz said Netanyahu had explained Israel’s position to U.S. President Donald Trump and other senior American officials, and that he himself conveyed it on Sunday to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. He said the IDF supports this position professionally and warned opposition figures not to back an IDF pullout. Katz also said that if Iran attacks Israel over events in Lebanon, Israel will strike back “with full force.”