Katz says Israeli forces will stay in Lebanon despite US pressure
Israel’s defense minister said troops would remain in Lebanon, where Israeli forces hold territory taken during the war with Hezbollah, Al Jazeera reported.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
1 min read
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel does not plan to pull its forces out of Lebanon, even if the United States presses for a withdrawal, Al Jazeera reported on June 24. The statement matters because Israeli troops remain in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire that followed the war with Hezbollah.
According to Al Jazeera, Katz said Israel would keep its military presence in Lebanon and had no intention of leaving under American pressure. The report did not include further details on any specific U.S. demand or timeline.
Israeli forces took control of a section of southern Lebanon during the war with Hezbollah, Al Jazeera reported. They have stayed in that area after the ceasefire, according to the broadcaster.
The remarks signal that Israel’s government is publicly rejecting the idea of a pullout tied to pressure from Washington. Al Jazeera reported Katz’s position as a clear statement that Israeli forces would remain in place.
No additional comments from U.S. officials, Hezbollah or the Lebanese government were included in Al Jazeera’s report.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.