US rejects Katz’s announcement of long-term troops in southern Lebanon

The US criticizes Defense Minister Katz’s call for a long-term presence in southern Lebanon, urging adherence to the agreed security framework.   

The United States administration voiced sharp disapproval on Wednesday regarding Defense Minister Israel Katz’s public statements about retaining an Israeli military footprint in southern Lebanon. According to a State Department official cited by Axios, Katz's declarations run counter to the obligations Jerusalem accepted as part of the framework agreement reached with Washington and Beirut. "The United States expects all parties to act in a manner consistent with the Framework they agreed to, and Israel clearly stated that it has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon. A permanent military presence in South Lebanon is not consistent with the commitments made in the Framework, or the long-term peace and security of both states," the official stated.   

Emphasizing Washington's commitment to Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, the official added, "The Framework clearly includes a conditions-based path for progressive redeployment tied to verified disarmament of Hezbollah and the dismantlement of their infrastructure. The Lebanese Armed Forces are implementing the first pilot zones, and the United States will continue to support full implementation of that process."    

Washington's pushback follows remarks made by Katz while visiting troops stationed in Lebanese border villages. During the visit, he directed the military to get ready operationally and logistically for an extended deployment, ensuring the    territory is stripped of subterranean and terrorist infrastructure. "We see here the Beaufort Ridge after the tunnels there were destroyed. The IDF conducted a maneuver here through the Litani in a heroic operation and, with great skill, defeated Hezbollah and took the Beaufort, which defends Metula and the communities of the north and on IDF soldiers and threatens all Hezbollah areas on the horizon," Katz stated.   (Read More)