Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, commenting on the agreement between the USA and Iran, confirmed that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu adhere to a policy according to which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain its presence in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip for an unlimited period.
According to Katz, from these areas, the army will ensure the protection of the Israeli border and populated areas from jihadist groups.
The minister added that these territories would be cleared of local residents, and all terrorist infrastructure, both underground and above ground, would be destroyed. He explained that this also applies to houses in border villages that were used as strongholds by terrorist organizations. "This is the main lesson of the events of October 7," Katz stated.
Israel Katz also called the retention of territories and the creation of security zones one of the greatest achievements of the IDF during the war, which was achieved thanks to the decisions and leadership of the political echelon.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet officially commented on the agreement.