Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and he are leading a clear policy, ensuring that the Israeli military remains in security regions in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza without a time limit. This strategy aims to protect Israeli borders and towns from jihadist threats.
He emphasized that these areas will be devoid of local residents, and all 'terror' infrastructure, both above and below ground, including homes in border villages (contact villages) used as terror sites, will be destroyed. This is a primary lesson learned from the October 7 events. Control over territory and security zones represents one of the greatest achievements of the Israeli military in the 'Iron Swords War,' based on political directives.
Katz concluded by asserting opposition to withdrawing the Israeli military from Lebanon, despite existing and future pressures. Prime Minister Netanyahu has communicated these points to President Trump and other senior American officials, and Katz himself relayed them to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Ben-Gvir
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote on his 'X' account: "The Trump agreement does not bind us. Israel is not subordinate to the United States; we are an independent and sovereign state."
He added, "Our duty is to the citizens of Israel, soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, the Jewish people, and our historical obligation to persecuted and killed Jews throughout thousands of years in exile, to provide security for Jews in the Land of Israel."
He continued, "Each time we succumbed to international pressure at the expense of Israel's security, we paid a bloody price with interest. This was true in the Oslo Accords, in the 2006 Lebanon agreement, and in every period of truce in Gaza that exploded in our faces."
Ben-Gvir stressed, "We love the United States and thank President Trump. However, the State of Israel is not a banana republic."
He maintained, "I consistently communicate this to the Prime Minister, reiterating it in closed rooms at every significant historical juncture: in historical moments, a historical decision must be made."
His position is clear: Israel is not part of any agreement that does not ensure their security, nor is it obligated by it. Israel should demand nothing less than the dismantling of Hezbollah and should not withdraw from conquered areas cleared of terrorist infrastructure. They should never return to a situation where thousands of terrorists are on the northern settlement borders and certainly not stay silent against any aggression towards Israel.
Ben-Gvir highlighted that "every drone or missile launch toward Israel from Lebanon will lead to an Israeli strike in the district. This was the deterrent balance a few months ago and must not be abandoned."
He concluded, "Above all, we must clarify to everyone: the people of Israel are a 3000-year-old eternal nation, unafraid of long roads; we believe in the Creator of the universe, are a strong, proud people returned to their homeland strong and proud and will no longer bow before enemies. The days of Jews receiving blows in silence have ended and will never recur."
Gantz
Meanwhile, Benny Gantz, leader of the Israeli 'Blue and White' party, declared that under no circumstances should Israel agree to limitations on its freedom to operate in Lebanon or to a withdrawal that would endanger northern residents.