Katz: Israeli Army to Remain in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon

Welat TV – Erbil

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israeli army will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.

Katz made the remarks during a visit to Lebanon on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, saying, “I have instructed the Israel Defense Forces to take all necessary steps to prepare for a long-term presence in the area,” according to Yedioth Ahronoth.

He explained that the area he refers to as the “security zone” stretches from the Mediterranean Sea in the west to Beaufort Castle and the approaches to Mount Hermon in the east, saying that Israeli forces are present there “to protect the northern communities and their forces.”

The Israeli defense minister added, "We will not move from here, and we will not withdraw. We will secure this area and ensure the security of the residents of the north. Under no circumstances will we withdraw, neither in Lebanon, nor in Syria, nor in Gaza, from the security zones.”

Meanwhile, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the U.S. State Department had criticized remarks made by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.