Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Monday that Israel has no intention of pulling forces out of Lebanon or vacating any captured territories. This declaration follows the revelation on Sunday regarding a memorandum of understanding reached between the United States and Iran.
Katz stated that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are enforcing a strict policy requiring the Israel Defense Forces to maintain their presence in security zones across Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza for an indefinite period. According to Katz, these regions will be emptied of their inhabitants, and all militant infrastructure—both surface-level and underground—will be systematically dismantled. This includes the destruction of residential structures in border villages that have been utilized as tactical outposts.
While U.S. President Donald Trump publicly confirmed the finalization of a pact with Iran on Sunday, Prime Minister Netanyahu has not yet issued an official response to the development.