Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has said that Israeli forces will not withdraw from what he described as “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip under any circumstances.
In a recorded statement released from an area in southern Lebanon under Israeli military control, Katz said that the government had no plans to leave the occupied territories.
“Just as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have made clear, we will not withdraw from this security zone,” he said.
He described the area in southern Lebanon as stretching from the Mediterranean coast to Beaufort Castle and the approaches to Mount Hermon.
“We will not move from here and we will not withdraw. We will secure this area and ensure the security of residents in the north,” Katz stated.
His remarks came amidst Israeli forces carried out airstrikes and explosions across several areas in southern Lebanon on Wednesday.
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), an Israeli drone targeted a road in Kfara in the Bint Jbeil district, injuring several people.
Israeli forces also carried out an explosion in Haddatha, while another drone dropped explosives on the outskirts of Beit Yahoun.
In the Marjayoun district, Israeli forces launched an airstrike near Deir Siriane and carried out explosions in the Wadi of Touline along the Wadi Saluki Road.
In the Tyre district, Israeli warplanes struck Mansouri in two separate attacks, while a drone dropped a stun grenade in the town.
The NNA also reported that Israeli drones were flying at low altitudes over Beirut, including the capital’s southern suburbs.
Under a framework agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel on June 26 with the United States (US) backing, Israeli forces were expected to gradually withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of armed groups, including Hezbollah.
Despite the agreement, Israeli military operations in Lebanon have continued.
