Israel Katz: We will not withdraw from southern Lebanon despite US pressure

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has said that the country’s military forces will under no circumstances leave their positions in the security zone established in southern Lebanon, even if Washington requests a withdrawal. Israel Katz made the remarks during a conference in Tel Aviv, where he referred to the security situation in the region. He said that the large-scale return of Lebanese residents to areas previously evacuated would not be possible. He claimed that past experience in these areas had included roadside bombings and attacks on soldiers, and therefore, according to him, Israel would not allow a repeat of such incidents. The statement comes as diplomatic efforts continue to stabilise a new ceasefire agreement, while reports indicate ongoing sporadic clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s President has previously said that Beirut would not accept any solution short of ending Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon.