Israel Announces Long-Term Security Zones in Lebanon and Syria
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, visiting troops at the Beaufort Ridge, formally instructed the IDF to prepare for a long-term administrative stay in southern Lebanon and southern Syria. Katz declared that Israel will not withdraw from these security zones, citing the need to permanently dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure and prevent cross-border incursions. The move follows recent Israeli operations to establish a demilitarized zone in Syria following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad government earlier this year.