A U.S. official has countered statements made by Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, asserting that Israel's enduring presence in southern Lebanon conflicts with its commitments. The official told Al Arabiya English that Israel has clearly stated it does not have any regional ambitions in Lebanon and emphasized that the U.S. will continue to support the full implementation of the agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
Furthermore, the official stated, "We expect Lebanon and Israel to adhere to the framework agreement." He also mentioned that "the Lebanese army is fulfilling its commitments in the pilot zones." The official concluded by reaffirming that Washington "fully supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon."
"Remaining in Security Zones"
Katz, who toured some southern Lebanese areas along the border on Wednesday, indicated that the Israeli army will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. He added, "I have instructed the army to take all necessary steps to prepare for a long-term presence in the region," as reported by Yedioth Ahronoth.
These remarks were not well received in the United States, as a State Department official later commented that Washington "expects all parties to act in accordance with the agreed framework."
The "Framework Agreement" was signed between the Lebanese and Israeli sides on June 25, following rounds of direct negotiations mediated by the United States, aiming to establish a gradual process to end the confrontation on the southern border and ensure Israel's phased withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
This agreement stipulated the deployment of the Lebanese army in areas vacated by Israeli forces, assuming security responsibility there. It also established pilot zones where the mechanism would be phased in to verify the implementation of security arrangements.
Moreover, it called for the creation of a trilateral military coordination group between Lebanon, Israel, and the U.S. to oversee and verify execution, addressing the disarmament of non-state militant groups, foremost among them Hezbollah, as part of a security path linked to asserting Lebanese state authority over its entire territory.
Since the agreement was signed, several follow-up negotiation rounds have occurred in Washington and Rome to discuss implementation details, including Israeli withdrawals, unresolved border issues, prisoner matters, and ceasefire mechanisms. Nonetheless, Israel has continued its violations in the south, including demolishing homes and villages and detonating sites and houses.
Several Israeli officials have also hinted at a permanent stay in what they call "security zones" in southern Lebanon.