politics
Israeli Defense Minister Says Forces Will Stay in Lebanon Security Zones
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Thursday that Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon security zones until Hezbollah is disarmed. The statement rejected a claim made the previous day by U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel would withdraw.
Jul 9, 3:37 AM·1m read1 source
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"We did not ask anyone's permission to enter Lebanon, and we do not need permission to stay in Lebanon," Katz stated. He added that it was Israel's "privilege and right" to protect its people from Hezbollah and that forces would maintain a presence until the group is completely disarmed.
Background on the statements U.S.
President Donald Trump said Wednesday at a NATO summit in Ankara that he believed Israel would withdraw troops from southern Lebanon. Trump told reporters he had discussed a withdrawal with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that "they're going to" leave.
Katz's Thursday response directly addressed the earlier claim. The minister said Israeli forces entered Lebanon without seeking permission from any other party and would decide when to leave based on security conditions. Reuters contributed to this report.
