Israeli defence minister vows troops to stay in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza
Israel Katz made the comments almost two months after Israel and Lebanon agreed to a deal involving the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has vowed to keep troops in southern Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, as part of a US-sponsored framework deal aimed at disarming Iran-backed Hezbollah and gradually withdrawing Israeli forces from Lebanon. During a visit to troops, Katz emphasized that Israel's military is present to protect northern communities and guarantee security, stating that they will not withdraw from the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, or Gaza.
The destruction of underground infrastructure and houses in southern Lebanon is underway as part of these efforts. The conflict in Lebanon began in March when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Israel's response has included airstrikes and a ground invasion in southern Lebanon, as well as incursions and bombings in Syria.
In Gaza, Israeli forces occupy more than 60% of the territory, following Netanyahu's rejection of a US-led plan for Gaza that requires Hamas to be genuinely disarmed before any withdrawal can occur.
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- Israeli defence minister vows troops to stay in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza freemalaysiatoday.com
