Israel to keep troops in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza 'security zones' - Middle East and Africa - The Jakarta Post

Middle East and Africa

In a statement, Katz's office said the two men spoke overnight and the minister "emphasised 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".

This handout picture released by the Government Press Office (GPO) shows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C-R) and Defence Minister Israel Katz (C-L) standing among members of the Israeli army at Mount Hermon in the annexed Golan Heights, on December 17, 2024. (AFP/Handout)

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz told his US counterpart Pete Hegseth early Thursday that Israel is determined to keep its forces in "security zones" it has carved out inside Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip.In a statement, Katz's office said the two men spoke overnight and the minister "emphasised 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".

"We have never asked the United States to act in our place along our borders," Katz said.