Israel plans to maintain annexation of Lebanon, Syria and Gaza
Defense Minister Israel Katz says Israeli forces will remain in declared security zones despite agreements and international efforts to reduce tensions
BEIRUT, Lebanon (MNTV) — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has vowed that Israeli forces will continue its occupation in designated zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, signaling a diminishing hope for peace in the region.
Katz made the remarks during a visit to Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, where he said the military would continue operating in areas it considers necessary for the protection of communities in northern Israel.
Katz said Israel would not withdraw from what it calls a security zone in southern Lebanon, an area extending roughly 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory. He said Israeli forces would continue clearing the area and maintaining security for residents in northern Israel.
The comments came nearly two months after Israel and Lebanon reached a US-backed framework that includes measures aimed at disarming Hezbollah, gradually withdrawing Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and deploying the Lebanese army in the area, initially through designated pilot zones.
The United States is expected to host further discussions between Israel and Lebanon in Rome in early September as the two sides consider implementation of the framework.
Katz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have repeatedly opposed a complete withdrawal from the security zone, despite the framework’s provisions concerning the reduction of Israeli military deployments in southern Lebanon.
During his visit, Katz said Israeli forces were targeting underground infrastructure and demolishing structures in the area, describing the operations as necessary for Israel’s security.
Hezbollah became directly involved in the regional conflict in early March, launching rockets toward Israel following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon.
Israel has also expanded its military operations in Syria since the overthrow of longtime President Bashar Assad, conducting incursions and airstrikes while saying it aims to establish a demilitarized area in southern Syria.
In Gaza, Israeli forces currently control more than 60 percent of the territory amid the continuing conflict.
Netanyahu last week rejected a US-backed proposal for Gaza that had received Hamas’s support, insisting that Israel would not withdraw its forces until Hamas was disarmed and that Israeli forces would continue operating against threats to Israeli troops and civilians.
Katz’s latest remarks indicate that Israel intends to maintain military positions across Lebanon, Syria and Gaza while negotiations and diplomatic efforts continue over the future security arrangements in the region.
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