U.S. Officials Criticize Israeli Defense Minister's Remarks on "Long-Term Occupation of Southern Lebanon"

On August 13, Xinhua News Agency reported from Jerusalem that a U.S. State Department official criticized Israeli Defense Minister Katz on the 12th, pointing out that his remarks about "preparing for a long-term occupation of southern Lebanon" contradict the commitments made by the Israeli government earlier.

According to reports, Katz claimed earlier on the 12th in southern Lebanon that "the Israeli military will remain in the security zones of Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza to defend Israel." He also stated that he had instructed the Israeli military to take all necessary measures to prepare for a long-term presence in the region.

A U.S. State Department official stated, "The United States expects all parties to act in accordance with the framework agreement they agreed upon, and Israel has clearly stated that it has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon. Maintaining a permanent military presence in southern Lebanon is not consistent with the commitments made by Israel in the framework agreement, nor is it conducive to long-term peace and security for both Israel and Lebanon." The official emphasized that the U.S. "fully supports Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty."

On June 26, the trilateral talks between Lebanon, Israel, and the U.S. concluded in Washington, D.C., announcing the achievement of a framework agreement. According to the agreement, the Israeli military is to withdraw from certain areas in southern Lebanon, with the Lebanese army taking over local security affairs. However, since the agreement was reached, the Israeli military has still carried out multiple military strikes against targets within Lebanon.