Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has reiterated that Israel has no intention of withdrawing from areas under its control in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip, prompting criticism from Beirut and fresh debate over Israel's military presence in neighbouring territories.
Speaking during a visit to southern Lebanon, Katz said Israeli forces would remain in what he described as "security zones".
"We will not withdraw under any circumstances from the security zones: not in Lebanon, not in Syria and not in Gaza," he said.
Katz was referring to a security belt stretching roughly 10 kilometres along the Lebanese border that remains under Israeli control.
He argued that Israeli forces are stationed there to protect communities in northern Israel and military personnel, adding that the army is destroying underground infrastructure belonging to armed groups as well as houses in the area.
Lebanese criticism
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned what he described as the systematic destruction of homes, infrastructure, public buildings and religious sites in southern Lebanon.
He said claims about military infrastructure cannot be used to justify the destruction of villages, the displacement of residents and obstacles preventing people from returning to their homes.
Dispute over withdrawal
Israel's continued presence in southern Lebanon runs counter to a framework agreement that envisages the disarmament of Hezbollah, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and the deployment of the Lebanese army in those areas.
In Gaza, where a fragile ceasefire has been in place since October 2025, Israeli forces continue to control more than 60% of the territory, according to the report.
Criticism from former German envoy
Separately, former German ambassador to Israel Steffen Seibert delivered unusually strong criticism of the Israeli government, particularly regarding settlement policy in the occupied West Bank.
In an interview with Die Zeit, Seibert spoke of displacement through "psychological and physical violence" and stressed that Germany's commitment to Israel's security does not extend to occupation or settlements considered illegal under international law.
Source: CNA
