Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Wednesday that the United States has not insisted on an Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon. This issue remains a key demand from Lebanese officials during current ceasefire discussions.
Speaking at a municipal leaders’ event in Tel Aviv, Katz described the lack of such a demand as a diplomatic success. He clarified that he communicated to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed to President Donald Trump, that the Israeli presence is strictly to ensure the safety of citizens in northern Israel.
Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun continues to oppose the Israeli occupation of his country’s southern region. As negotiations mediated by the US continue in Washington, the conflict remains complex. Since Hezbollah initiated hostilities on March 2, subsequent Israeli ground and air operations have resulted in over 4,100 reported deaths. Currently, Israel maintains a 10-kilometre buffer zone along the border, with Prime Minister Netanyahu affirming that military forces will keep the ability to neutralize threats in the area.
