Israel vows 'extended stay' in Lebanon until Hezbollah disarmed
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the Israeli army is preparing for an "extended stay" in southern Lebanon and will not withdraw from a contested buffer zone before Hezbollah is disarmed across all of Lebanon, one day after Beirut and Tel Aviv signed a US-sponsored framework agreement.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Saturday announced that the Israeli army is preparing for an "extended stay" in southern Lebanon, declaring that forces will remain stationed in a contested buffer zone until Hezbollah is fully disarmed throughout the country. The statement came one day after Beirut and Tel Aviv signed a US-sponsored framework agreement outlining terms for gradual Israeli withdrawal.
No withdrawal without disarmament
In a video statement released by his office, Katz said the Israeli military "will continue to station forces in the security zone in southern Lebanon, including the Shqeif area, and will not withdraw before Hezbollah is disarmed across all of Lebanon." He and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have instructed the military to prepare for an extended deployment in the area, according to the statement.
US-mediated framework
Lebanon and Israel signed the framework agreement on Friday under US mediation, stipulating a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory beginning with two unnamed pilot areas. However, the agreement sets no timetable for withdrawal from these zones or from all occupied territory, linking any pullout to the Lebanese army assuming full security control and the disarmament of all non-state armed groups including Hezbollah.
Strategic positioning
Israel uses the term "security zone" to refer to a buffer strip extending several kilometers inside Lebanese territory, established during the 2024-2025 war with Hezbollah and expanded following intensified attacks since March 2. The Shqeif area sits on elevated terrain near a bend in the Litani River, overlooking southern Lebanon and the Galilee. Katz also threatened Iran, stating: "If Iran attempts to attack Israel to prevent implementation of the agreement between Israel and Lebanon, we will act against it with great force."
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