Israel Vows Permanent Presence in Lebanon Despite US Rebuke
Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to maintain long-term military zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, prompting the US to warn that such presence violates agreed frameworks.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that the Israel Defense Forces will maintain a long-term military presence in security zones across southern Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip. Speaking from the Beaufort area, Katz instructed the military to prepare for an extended stay to destroy Hezbollah tunnels and protect northern Israeli communities, asserting that Israel will not withdraw under any circumstances.
This stance contradicts a June framework agreement sponsored by the United States, which mandates the disarmament of Hezbollah and a gradual Israeli withdrawal. The United States Department of State rebuked Katz's announcement, stating a permanent military presence is inconsistent with the framework and Israel's stated lack of territorial ambitions in Lebanon. Washington maintains that redeployment must be phased and tied to the verified disarmament of Hezbollah.
On the ground, the situation has escalated with Israeli strikes in Nabatieh and Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh. Lebanese authorities and the Lebanese Army report the systematic destruction of homes, schools, and health clinics, which Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called a violation of international humanitarian law. The Lebanese Army stated these demolitions hinder its own deployment in southern Lebanon.
Despite the friction, the United States is organizing an eighth round of negotiations in Rome for early September. While technical talks have established operational parameters for pilot zones where the Lebanese military can operate, officials denied reports that foreign troops from Britain, Italy, Switzerland, and Indonesia have been deployed to oversee disarmament.
