In response to criticism from the United States over previous comments suggesting Israeli forces would indefinitely occupy southern Lebanon, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has shifted his position.
On Thursday, Katz linked the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon to the disarmament of Hezbollah.
"Prolonged Presence"
He further stated that Israel "will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon unless Hezbollah is disarmed and the threat posed by the group across Lebanon is eliminated." Katz added at an event marking the founding of an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, "I have instructed the military to prepare for a prolonged presence in the area to protect our forces and communities until this goal is fully achieved."
Previously, during a visit to southern Lebanon on Wednesday, the Israeli minister asserted that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were "unequivocally clear that Israeli forces will not leave this security zone," adding, "We will clear this area and ensure the security of northern residents."
U.S. Comments
Following his remarks, a U.S. State Department official stated that the permanent Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon is inconsistent with the commitments outlined in the agreement that Israel, with U.S. backing, reached with the Lebanese government. The agreement stipulated a gradual Israeli withdrawal linked to the verification of Hezbollah's disarmament. The U.S. official, in written comments distributed to journalists, emphasized, "The United States expects all parties to act in a manner consistent with the agreed framework, and Israel has clearly stated it has no claim on Lebanese land."
Katz's comments come as Prime Minister Netanyahu's Likud party, to which the defense minister belongs, seeks to bolster its credibility with voters on security matters ahead of the elections scheduled for October 27, the first in Israel since the October 7, 2023, attacks led by Hamas.
Israel occupied part of southern Lebanon during a conflict with Hezbollah earlier this year, declaring it would "keep its forces there to protect northern Israel" from Hezbollah attacks.
This Israeli campaign has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Lebanese people.
The U.S.-mediated agreement between Lebanon and Israel called for hostilities to cease, with Israeli forces remaining in Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms and the Lebanese army takes control of the south, including "pilot areas."