Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz told forces in southern Lebanon that Israeli troops will not withdraw from security zones under any circumstances, despite the American framework for a gradual pullout.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, that Israeli forces will not withdraw from security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. During a visit to Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, Katz stated that the Israeli military is in these areas to stay, as reported by Al Mayadeen English.
"The Israeli army is here to stay in the security zones," Katz said, adding that there will be no withdrawal "under any circumstances." According to him, the occupation will extend from the Mediterranean coast to the Beaufort area and toward Mount Hermon.
Katz, as Al Mayadeen English reports, ordered the military leadership to take all necessary steps to prepare for a long-term presence in the area. His statements come nearly two months after the American framework was supposed to pave the way for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army, starting with test areas known as pilot zones.
WarFront Witness quotes Katz's statement in which he said: "We are not withdrawing. We will not withdraw from the security zones, neither in Lebanon, nor in Syria, nor in Gaza. We will continue to destroy all terrorist infrastructure built here with Iranian funding."
On the same day, August 12, 2026, Israeli attacks wounded several people in Lebanon, Anadolu Agency reported. Al Jazeera also notes that Katz stated Israeli forces will not withdraw from security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, nearly two months after the agreement to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
Katz's statements indicate an intention for a long-term military presence in all three locations, which could further increase tensions in the Middle East. Details on the reaction of the Lebanese side or the international community to these statements were not provided in the sources.
