Beirut: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated during a visit to southern Lebanon that Israeli forces would remain in areas occupied by Israel in southern Lebanon, as well as in Syria and the Gaza Strip. "As the prime minister and I have clearly said, we will not withdraw from this security zone," Katz said, according to a statement issued by his office.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, Katz emphasized that the Israeli army is stationed in these areas to protect communities in northern Israel. He stated that the military's operations include the destruction of underground infrastructure and the demolition of houses within these zones. Katz firmly declared that there would be no withdrawal from the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, or Gaza under any circumstances.