Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain a long-term presence across security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. Despite recent diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating regional tensions, Katz stated that the government remains committed to an indefinite occupation of these areas. According to the Defense Minister, this policy is essential to safeguarding Israeli borders and protecting local communities from the persistent threat of jihadist elements.

As part of this strategy, the IDF plans to systematically clear these regions of local residents and demolish all identified terrorist infrastructure, including both subterranean networks and frontline village outposts. Katz emphasized that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already briefed President Donald Trump on this stance, underscoring that Israel will not succumb to international pressure to withdraw. Furthermore, the Defense Minister issued a stern warning to Tehran, asserting that any Iranian retaliation would be met with overwhelming force, aimed at demonstrating the significant gap in military capabilities between the two nations.