Israel Vows to Maintain Security Zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza
· 60 views
JERUSALEM (Terror Monitor) — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has reaffirmed that Israel is determined to maintain its military presence in the "security zones" established inside Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip.
According to a statement issued by Israel's Ministry of Defense on Thursday, Katz emphasized Israel's commitment during a late-night phone call on Wednesday with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The statement said Katz stressed Israel's determination to remain in the security zones in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon, arguing that the military presence is necessary to protect Israel's borders and communities near the frontier from threats posed by militant groups.
"We have never asked the United States to act on our borders in our place," Katz said.
The remarks come amid reports that U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli forces from parts of Syria and Lebanon.
According to Axios, citing a U.S. official, Trump told Netanyahu that Israel's military deployment in Syria was contributing to regional tensions, reportedly saying, "They (the Syrian government) don't want you there."
Following the collapse of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024, Israel deployed forces into the UN-monitored buffer zone and has since carried out multiple military operations and airstrikes inside Syria. Israel says it seeks to establish a demilitarized area in southern Syria.
Israeli forces also remain deployed inside Lebanon. According to the Israeli military, troops are positioned within a security zone extending roughly 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory. Although Lebanon and Israel do not have formal diplomatic relations, negotiations aimed at maintaining the ceasefire and reducing tensions are ongoing.
The current security situation followed attacks launched by the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah against Israel in March, drawing Lebanon deeper into the broader Middle East conflict.
Israeli and Lebanese negotiators concluded a fifth round of talks in Rome on Wednesday. The U.S.-mediated negotiations are focused on a phased Israeli military withdrawal from Lebanon. As an initial confidence-building measure, Israel is expected to withdraw from two locations situated outside the security zone established in southern Lebanon.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces currently control approximately 60 percent of the territory. Israel also maintains full control over Gaza's border with Egypt.
Related Articles
227 Indians Recruited into Russian Army, 51 Reportedly Killed, India Says
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says 51 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces have reportedly been killed, while 139 of the 227 Indians identified as serving in Russia’s military have been discharged.
US Military Resumes Strikes on Iran as Tehran Vows Retaliation
The United States has launched fresh airstrikes against Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran claims to have retaliated with missile attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan. President Donald Trump has warned that any further Iranian retaliation would trigger a “harsh and broad” U.S. response.
Gaza: Three Killed in Israeli Strikes as Israel Says Senior Hamas Leader Captured
At least three Palestinians, including two children and a woman, were killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza City as Israel said it had captured a senior Hamas leader during a ground operation. Hamas sources disputed the claim, saying an Israeli mission targeting a senior leader had failed.
UAE Denies Iranian Claim of Drone Attack on Al Minhad Air Base
Iran’s military claimed it targeted a site at the UAE’s Al Minhad Air Base where U.S. helicopters and personnel were allegedly stationed, but the UAE denied the claim. Abu Dhabi said its air defenses intercepted one drone that entered its airspace and urged the public to rely on official sources.