[83587] Israel clarifies: The IDF will remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza

Israel deepens its control over buffer zones

Defense Minister Israel Katz clarified today that Israel is adopting a clear policy of keeping the IDF in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza "indefinitely," according to a report by Amit Segal. Katz emphasized that the areas would be cleared of residents and terrorist infrastructure would be destroyed, noting that this position was clarified to US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, as noted on the 'Kol HaHadashot' channel on Telegram.

In a series of parallel messages, the Defense Minister emphasized that the government stands behind this line "despite all the existing pressures and those that are yet to come," as published by Daphna Liel. Katz added a sharp warning to Iran, clarifying that if there were an Iranian attack in light of the events in Lebanon, Israel would respond "with full force and demonstrate to it well the gaps in power," a position also published in 'Israel Hayom'.

Conversely, critical voices were heard in the political system. On Ben Caspit's channel, the words of former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett were quoted, who attacked the government and called the situation a "dangerous turn for Israel's security." Bennett argued that despite the IDF's achievements on the battlefield, "the government is once again incapable of turning all these into sustainable security achievements."

In the professional arena, there is still uncertainty regarding the nature of the presence on the ground. In a report by Moriah Asraf and Doron Kadosh, it was noted that despite the firm statements, it is unclear whether the IDF will be required to withdraw from some of the areas after all, as it appears that "this has not yet been finally agreed upon." At the same time, sources quoted in 'Zirat HaHadashot' clarified that the final sector boundaries are "not yet clear."