The United States has rejected the idea of Israel maintaining a permanent military presence in Lebanon, after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would remain in a so-called security zone in southern Lebanon.
A U.S. State Department official told Al Arabiya that Washington expects both Lebanon and Israel to adhere to the framework agreed between the two sides.
The official said the United States expects all parties to act according to the agreement, adding that Israel has previously made clear that it has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon.
Katz made the remarks during a visit to southern Lebanon on Monday. He said Israeli troops had come to stay and that Israel would not withdraw from the security zone.
Under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire framework, Israel is expected to withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory, while Iran-backed Hezbollah is required to dismantle its weapons and military infrastructure.
The U.S. official said a permanent Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon would not be consistent with the commitments made under the agreement. Washington also reiterated its support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The withdrawal process is designed to take place in stages, alongside verification that Hezbollah’s military capabilities and infrastructure are being dismantled.
Israel has repeatedly accused the Lebanese armed forces of failing to do enough to eliminate Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. Beirut, however, argues that Israel’s continued military presence and operations are making it harder for Lebanon to establish full control over its territory.
Several pilot zones have recently been established in southern Lebanon in areas previously controlled by either Israeli forces or Hezbollah. Lebanese armed forces have since taken control of those locations.
According to the U.S. official, Lebanon’s military is implementing the first phase of these pilot zones, with Washington continuing to support efforts to fully implement the process.
