Defense Minister Katz said a framework agreement with Lebanon could, for the
first time in decades, create a new security reality on Israel’s north
border. He said Israel will maintain current deployments and continue to control
the southern Lebanon “security zone,” including the Beaufort Heights. Katz said
Israeli withdrawal is conditional on Hezbollah’s full disarmament across Lebanon
and that he and Prime Minister Netanyahu have instructed the IDF to prepare for
a long-term presence in the zone. He added Iran’s attempts to pressure the US to
force an Israeli pullback have failed and warned Israel would respond forcefully
if Iran attacks to block the deal’s implementation.
