Israel vows to keep troops in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza ‘security zones’
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Thursday told U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that Israel intends to maintain its military presence in what it calls “security zones” inside Syria, Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, citing border protection concerns.
Katz made the remarks during a phone conversation with Hegseth overnight Thursday, according to a statement from his office.
“Katz emphasized Israel’s determination to remain in the security zones in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon in order to protect Israel’s borders and the communities near the border from the threats posed by jihadist forces,” the statement said.
The Israeli defense minister’s comments come as Israeli forces continue to maintain positions in southern Syria, southern Lebanon and parts of the Gaza Strip following a series of military operations launched amid escalating regional tensions.
In Syria, Israeli forces expanded their presence beyond the occupied Golan Heights after the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, entering areas of southern Syria and establishing military positions. Israel has said the deployments are intended to prevent hostile armed groups from operating near its borders and to protect Israeli communities.
The continued Israeli military presence in Syrian territory has been rejected by Damascus, which has repeatedly called for an end to Israeli incursions and a withdrawal from Syrian land.
In Lebanon, Israeli forces have maintained positions in several areas of southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah that took effect in November 2024. The deal called for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon and for Hezbollah forces to move away from the border area, with the Lebanese army deploying in the south.
Israel has argued that continued military positions are necessary to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military infrastructure near the border, while Lebanese officials have accused Israel of violating Lebanon’s sovereignty.
In Gaza, Israel has established areas under its military control following its war against Hamas, which began after the group’s Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Israeli officials have said maintaining buffer areas is necessary to prevent future attacks, while Palestinian authorities and international organizations have raised concerns over the humanitarian impact of prolonged military control.
The discussion between Katz and Hegseth also comes amid broader U.S.-Israeli coordination over regional security issues, including Iran, Hezbollah and armed groups operating across the Middle East.