Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated in an interview with local television that his country will not withdraw from the security zones it has established in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syria.
Katz took a firm stance in response to international calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon: «No one can tell us what to do.»
The minister also commented President Donald Trump’s idea of «Let Hezbollah and the Syrian army keep each other busy.»
Israel Katz expressed his position on Syria as follows: «We don’t need Jolani. There is no need for him to come here and help us. We know Syria well. Jolani will not help us. It is better that he stays in Syria and does not interfere in our affairs. Let him not force us to interfere in his affairs either.»
The Defense Minister also provided information about military operations in Lebanon, noting that all houses that fell within the security zone Israel created in Lebanon have been demolished, and the 200,000 residents living in the area will not be able to return to their homes.