Defense Minister Katz said a framework agreement with Lebanon could, for the first time in decades, create a new security reality on Israel’s northern 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

Defense Minister Katz said a framework agreement with Lebanon could, for the first time in decades, create a new security reality on Israel’s northern 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.