Katz: “We Defeated Hezbollah, We Will Not Withdraw From Lebanon”
8/12/2026 6:29:07 PM
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the Israeli military “will not withdraw from the security zone in southern Lebanon.”
Speaking during a visit to Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, he said: “I instructed the Israeli military to take all necessary measures to maintain a long-term presence in the security zone in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.”
He added: “We are demolishing Hezbollah’s infrastructure and all homes in the security zone, and we will not allow our citizens to be threatened.” He continued: “We destroyed the tunnels they built with Iranian support to invade the Galilee.”
Katz said the Israeli military had “defeated Hezbollah with exceptional skill” and taken control of Chaqif Mountain in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli Defense Ministry said Katz visited Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and discussed with commanders preparations for the expected campaign against Hezbollah at a later stage.
Speaking during a visit to Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, he said: “I instructed the Israeli military to take all necessary measures to maintain a long-term presence in the security zone in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.”
He added: “We are demolishing Hezbollah’s infrastructure and all homes in the security zone, and we will not allow our citizens to be threatened.” He continued: “We destroyed the tunnels they built with Iranian support to invade the Galilee.”
Katz said the Israeli military had “defeated Hezbollah with exceptional skill” and taken control of Chaqif Mountain in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli Defense Ministry said Katz visited Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and discussed with commanders preparations for the expected campaign against Hezbollah at a later stage.