Defense Minister: Israel Will Not Withdraw From Security Zones

Defense Minister Israel Katz said the IDF will not withdraw from Israel’s security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, as efforts continue toward a possible agreement between Iran and the United States.

Katz made clear that Israel will continue to hold key security areas after October 7. According to his remarks, the IDF will keep defending Israel’s borders and citizens from the Hermon outpost, the mountains of Lebanon, areas in Samaria, and most of Gaza.

His message was direct. Israel will not return to the security assumptions that failed before the October 7 massacre.

Lesson From October 7

Katz framed the policy as a central lesson from October 7. Israel, he said, must defend itself against jihadist forces and terrorist organizations before they reach Israeli communities.

The destruction in communities like Kibbutz Nir Oz remains one of the clearest reasons Israeli leaders now reject any return to the security assumptions that existed before October 7.

Therefore, the IDF will continue to operate from positions that Israel views as vital to national defense. Instead of relying only on deterrence or international pressure, Israel intends to keep direct military control where threats remain active.

That position applies to several fronts at once. In the north, Katz pointed to Lebanon and the Hermon area. In the south, he referred to most of Gaza. In addition, he emphasized Samaria as part of the same security doctrine.

Northern Samaria

Katz also addressed the terror camps in northern Samaria. He said the IDF will not withdraw from the camps that have been evacuated of residents.

Moreover, Katz warned that Israel could expand the operation if necessary. That warning signals that the IDF may move against additional terror camps if the threat requires it.

Ultimately, Katz’s message was that Israel will not gamble with its citizens’ lives again. After October 7, the IDF will remain wherever Israel believes its presence prevents the next massacre.