Washington says permanent Israeli presence in southern Lebanon ‘inconsistent’ with agreed framework

The United States has pushed back against Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s comments suggesting that Israeli forces could maintain a long-term presence in southern Lebanon, stressing that a permanent deployment would conflict with the framework agreed between Israel, Lebanon and the United States.

Following Katz’s remarks, a US State Department official told i24NEWS: “The United States expects all parties to act in a manner consistent with the framework they agreed to, and Israel has made it clear that it has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon. A permanent military presence in southern Lebanon is inconsistent with the commitments set forth in the framework, or with the long-term peace and security of both countries.”

The official emphasized, however, that the framework does not call for an immediate or unconditional Israeli withdrawal. Instead, it provides for a gradual, conditions-based redeployment tied to the verified disarmament of Hezbollah and the dismantling of its military infrastructure.

Washington also reaffirmed its support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying it expects all sides to follow through on the commitments outlined in the framework. The Lebanese army has begun operating in several initial “pilot zones” designated under the agreement, with the United States saying it will continue supporting the process.

The US statement came after Katz visited Israeli troops deployed in villages near the Lebanese border. During the visit, he instructed the military to prepare operationally and logistically for what he described as a prolonged presence in the area, with the stated aim of locating and destroying Hezbollah tunnels and military infrastructure.

Speaking from the Beaufort area, Katz said Israeli forces had destroyed tunnels and secured positions intended to protect Metula and other communities in northern Israel. “As the Prime Minister and I have clearly stated, we will not withdraw from this security zone,” he said.

Katz also indicated that Israel does not intend to relinquish security zones in Lebanon, Syria or the Gaza Strip, framing the policy as a lesson from the Oct. 7 attack. He argued that maintaining Israeli forces in forward positions is necessary to prevent infiltrations and protect Israeli communities.