Katz: The Israeli Army Will Not Withdraw from Lebanon

SadaNews - Israeli Occupation Minister Israel Katz said in a statement today, Monday, that Israel will not withdraw from the territories it controls in Lebanon, warning that if Iran launches an attack on Israel in light of the events in Lebanon, Israel will respond in kind.

Katz stated that he, along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adopts a clear policy that the army will remain in the security areas in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, pointing out that control over these security areas is among the "greatest achievements" of the Israeli army in the war.

The minister emphasized the rejection of withdrawing the Israeli army from Lebanon despite all current and future pressures, indicating that Netanyahu clarified this matter to Trump and senior American officials.

Katz noted that he made this clear to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth yesterday, Sunday.

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth had previously reported that Netanyahu informed Trump that Israel would not withdraw from Lebanon.

The newspaper, citing Israeli sources, indicated that Israel does not consider itself bound by the clause related to Lebanon in the agreement with Iran.

The sources stated that Netanyahu made it clear to Trump that the Israeli army would continue to remain in its current positions within Lebanese territory, while continuing operations aimed at "foiling Hezbollah's threats," including destroying infrastructure that Israel describes as "terrorist," and responding to any attacks targeting it.

It added that there is an understanding within the Israeli government to adhere to what Tel Aviv describes as its "security interests" in Lebanon, noting that Netanyahu received full support from ministers during a cabinet meeting.

In the same context, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir intensified his rhetoric regarding the agreement, stating that "Trump's agreement does not obligate us. Israel is not subordinate to the United States; we are an independent and sovereign state."

Ben Gvir added: "My position is clear: we are not partners in this agreement that does not consider our security. We should not withdraw from any area controlled by our fighters."

He further added that Israel should not withdraw from southern Lebanon or "silence, even for a moment," if Hezbollah launches an attack.