Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz has responded firmly to US President Donald Trump's expectations regarding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. In a formal statement, Katz emphasized that Israel's military decisions are sovereign and do not depend on the authorization of any other nation.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the defense minister clarified that the continued military presence in southern Lebanon is strictly aimed at ensuring the security of Israeli citizens. Katz underscored that Israel intends to maintain its security zone until Hezbollah is fully disarmed and the threat to Israel's northern regions is permanently neutralized.
This diplomatic friction follows comments from US President Donald Trump, who previously indicated that he had discussed the Lebanon situation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and expressed an expectation that Israeli forces would withdraw from the occupied territories. While the US continues to mediate negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, the Israeli government remains steadfast in its security requirements. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been a central focus of regional instability, with international mediators seeking a sustainable ceasefire that addresses Israel's security concerns while navigating the complex political landscape within Lebanon.
