Defense Minister Katz: We Will Not Withdraw From Security Zones

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel will not withdraw from security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, describing the policy as a core lesson from the October 7 massacre.

Katz said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are leading a clear policy. According to him, the IDF will remain in those areas “without a time limit” to defend Israel’s borders and nearby communities from jihadist threats.

No Withdrawal From Security Zones

Katz said the areas will remain clear of local residents. He also said Israel will destroy terror infrastructure above and below ground.

That includes houses in contact villages that, according to Katz, served as terror outposts.

“This is the main lesson from the events of October 7,” Katz said.

He described the holding of territory and security zones as one of the IDF’s greatest achievements in what Israel calls the War of Rebirth. He said Israel reached that position under the decisions and guidance of the political leadership.

Message To Washington

Katz said Israel opposes withdrawing from Lebanon “despite all the existing and future pressures.”

He added that Netanyahu made the position clear to US President Donald Trump and other senior American officials. Katz said he also clarified the same position to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

AP reported that Katz’s comments came after a new interim US-Iran agreement aimed at halting hostilities. However, Katz made clear that Israel would not compromise on its own security requirements.

Warning To Iran

Katz also issued a direct warning to Tehran.

“If Iran attacks Israel because of the events in Lebanon, we will strike it with full force and make the power gap very clear to them,” he said.

His remarks came after Israel struck Hezbollah targets in Beirut’s Dahiyeh neighborhood following Hezbollah projectile fire toward northern Israel. Reuters reported that the IDF described that fire as a ceasefire violation.

Katz also challenged Israeli opposition figures who support withdrawal to say so publicly. He said the public should judge between the positions.

“We will not compromise on Israel’s supreme security interest and the protection of our citizens,” Katz said. “We will not withdraw from the security zones.”

Ultimately, Katz framed the issue as one of sovereign defense. Israel, he said, remains committed only to its citizens and to the security of the State of Israel.