Israeli defence minister vows troops to stay in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz affirmed on Wednesday that Israeli troops will remain in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. This vow follows the Israeli-Lebanese agreement, brokered by the US, to disarm Iran-backed Hezbollah, gradually withdraw Israeli forces from Lebanon's southern region, and deploy the Lebanese army into the area. The US plans to hold new talks in early September in Rome between Israel and Lebanon.

Katz visited troops in southern Lebanon and stated that the military is destroying underground infrastructure and houses in the area. He emphasized that Israel's presence in the "security zone" is aimed at safeguarding northern communities and its own forces, and that they will not withdraw from the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, or Gaza.

The unrest began in early March when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. In response, Israel launched extensive airstrikes and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon. Israel has also carried out numerous incursions and bombings in Syria since the fall of its longtime leader, Bashar al-Assad, in an effort to establish a demilitarized zone in the country's south.

In Gaza, Israeli forces control over 60% of the territory. Recently, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a US-led plan for Gaza, endorsed by Hamas. Netanyahu stated that Israel will not withdraw its military until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and will continue to address threats against its forces and citizens.