Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not withdraw from the southern Lebanon security zone, even at the request of the United States, though no such request currently exists. Katz emphasized that the IDF will remain until the threat from Hezbollah, an Iran-backed terrorist group, is eliminated. Recent conflicts have intensified, particularly after Hezbollah attacked northern Israel in March.
The IDF recently targeted two Hezbollah operatives near Nabatiyeh, while Lebanese media reported additional casualties due to an Israeli drone strike. Meanwhile, negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, facilitated by the U.S., are ongoing, focusing on both political and security matters. The U.S. aims for a partial Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, a plan met with skepticism by Israel, which is concerned about Iranian influence in the region. The situation remains volatile, with sporadic clashes between Israeli and Hezbollah forces continuing despite a declared ceasefire.
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