In reaction to remarks by Yisrael Katz, Israel’s defense minister, about the Israeli army remaining in southern Lebanon, the United States said that a permanent military presence of Israel in this region is not consistent with the country’s previous commitments and the goal of achieving lasting peace and security.

A U.S. State Department official, in a statement published in response to questions from reporters, without directly mentioning Katz’s name, emphasized that the continued presence of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon conflicts with Israel’s prior guarantees that it has no territorial ambitions regarding Lebanon.

The statement said: “A permanent military presence in southern Lebanon is not compatible with the commitments accepted within this framework, or with long-term peace and security for both countries.”

The reaction came after Yisrael Katz, during a visit to southern Lebanon, said that the Israeli army will remain in the security areas of Lebanon, Syria and Gaza. He added that he has instructed the army to prepare for a long-term presence in these areas and emphasized that Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in southern Lebanon.