Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has declared that Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon despite international pressure and potential demands from the United States, signalling a hardening of Israel's position even as a ceasefire with Hezbollah takes effect. According to Aljazeera, Katz made the remarks amid ongoing discussions about the future of Israeli military deployments in southern Lebanon following months of cross-border hostilities and a recently announced ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.

Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Israel Katz have instructed the military to remain in occupied Lebanese territory while largely…

The Israeli army will not withdraw from territory occupied in southern Lebanon, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Sunday, Anadolu reports. “The ceasefire announced…