Israeli DM Katz instructs IDF to prepare for a long-term stay in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza security zones

Defense Minister Israel Katz visited Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops in Lebanon's frontline villages on Wednesday, declaring that Israeli forces will remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza indefinitely. Commanders briefed Katz on operational activity in the field and discussed preparations for a potential future campaign against Hezbollah.

The defense minister later met with soldiers, praising what he called their courageous performance against Hezbollah and their major achievements on the ground.

Speaking near the Beaufort Ridge, Katz said the IDF destroyed tunnels there during a maneuver across the Litani River, defeating Hezbollah forces in what he called a heroic operation. He said the position protects Metula, other northern communities and Israeli troops, while overlooking Hezbollah territory beyond.

"As the prime minister and I have made unequivocally clear, we are not withdrawing from this security zone," Katz said, describing his location as spanning from the Mediterranean coast in the west to the Beaufort area and the approaches to Mount Hermon in the east. He said the IDF's mission is to protect northern communities, clear the area and secure residents' safety, adding that Israel "under no circumstances" will withdraw from security zones in Lebanon, Syria or Gaza.

Katz invoked the October 7 attacks as justification for maintaining a ground presence, saying it demonstrated the need for the IDF to physically hold territory to prevent infiltrations and attacks. He said forces are dismantling underground infrastructure and buildings used by Hezbollah with Iranian backing to threaten the Galilee.

"We are up here, they are down below, the residents are outside, the soldiers are inside, and the houses are destroyed," Katz said, summarizing what he described as Israel's ongoing policy in the security zones.