In case the Israeli army will "indefinitely" remain in southern Lebanon and other "security zones"
Xinhua News Agency, Jerusalem, June 25 (Reporter Wang Zhuolun, Feng Guorui) - Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated on the 25th that the Israeli military will continue to remain in the "security buffer zone" in southern Lebanon, southern Syria, and the Gaza Strip, with "no time limit."
Katz also threatened that if Iran attacks Israel due to Israeli actions in Lebanon or for any other reason, the Israeli military will strike Iran with full force.
Earlier that day, U.S. officials told the media that Israel had withdrawn troops from certain areas of southern Lebanon under its control, but did not specify the locations or scale of the withdrawal. The official also stated that the Lebanese Armed Forces "should now enter the relevant areas."
According to Israeli media reports on the 25th, military and security officials denied that the Israeli military had withdrawn from certain areas of southern Lebanon, stating that the military had not received any orders for withdrawal. The Jerusalem Post quoted Israeli officials as saying that whether the military would withdraw from southern Lebanon is a topic for direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, but no relevant agreement has been reached yet.
Israeli Defense Minister Katz announced that the Israeli military will continue its indefinite presence in security buffer zones in southern Lebanon, southern Syria, and the Gaza Strip. He threatened that if Iran attacks Israel due to its actions in Lebanon, the military will respond forcefully. U.S. officials mentioned a partial withdrawal from some areas, but Israeli officials denied this, stating no withdrawal orders have been issued.
- Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated that the military will remain indefinitely in buffer zones.
- There is a threat of retaliation against Iran if attacked.
- U.S. officials indicated that Israel has withdrawn from some areas but did not specify details.
- Israeli officials denied any withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
- Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon regarding military presence are ongoing.