🔶 US criticizes Israel’s defense minister over continued deployment in southern Lebanon

The United States criticized recent remarks by Israel Katz, Israel’s defense minister, about the continued presence of the Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, and stated that the establishment of a permanent military presence by Israel in this region is inconsistent with the country’s prior commitments and the goal of achieving stable peace and security.

A U.S. State Department official, in a statement released to address the matter, emphasized that Washington expects all parties to adhere to the agreements reached, and said that the continued presence of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon conflicts with Israel’s earlier guarantees regarding not having any claims on Lebanese territory. In this statement, the official did not directly name Katz.

During a visit to southern Lebanon, Katz had said that the Israeli army would remain in Lebanon’s security areas, as well as in Syria and Gaza. He added that he had instructed the army to prepare for a long-term presence in these areas, and stressed that Israel would not withdraw from the security area in southern Lebanon.