Israeli Defense Minister Katz rejects U.S. calls for withdrawal from South Lebanon
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on June 24, 2026, that Israeli forces will maintain their positions in Southern Lebanon regardless of U.S. diplomatic pressure. Katz argued that a withdrawal is impossible until 200,000 displaced residents of Northern Israel can return safely, which requires the complete neutralization of Hezbollah's presence in the buffer zone. The statement complicates U.S. State Department efforts to finalize a regional security framework following the conclusion of the broader Iran conflict.