Israel’s defense minister: Stay in southern Lebanon

Iran war

Israel’s defense minister: Stay in southern Lebanon

The US-Iran framework agreement is experiencing its first test. Israel will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, according to Defense Minister Katz. He also directly threatens Iran.

According to Defense Minister Israel Katz, the Israeli army will not withdraw from the occupied areas in southern Lebanon for the time being. Katz was reacting to a framework agreement between the USA and Iran that is to be signed in Geneva on Friday. Israel expects that a ceasefire between the US and Iran will also be linked to an end to the fighting against the Lebanese Hezbollah militia.

Katz further stated that he agreed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Israeli army would remain in the “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip without any time limit in order to protect the border and Israeli communities from there.

Katz called the “safe zones” the Army’s “greatest achievements” in this war. Israel rejects a withdrawal from Lebanon, despite all existing and future pressure attempts.

Katz also warned that Israel would retaliate with “full force” if Iran attacked the country because of “the events in Lebanon.”