Defense Minister Katz insisted that the IDF will remain in these areas "indefinitely" to protect the population of northern Israel.
Defense Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed this Friday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain their presence in five strategic positions in Lebanese territory, within the framework of the security measures adopted in response to the activity of the terrorist group Hezbollah. in the region.
Katz said in a statement that The troops will remain "indefinitely" to "protect the residents of northern Israel." and ordered the deployed forces to “strengthen their control” at these points and “prepare for a prolonged stay.”
The official maintained that this policy responds to a defense strategy against threats in the region, particularly the activity of the terrorist group Hezbollah. Last week, the IDF bombed a weapons production and storage center in the Bekaa region and killed Hassan Abbas Izzedine, commander of the Iranian-backed Shiite militia's air defense unit.
“Our job is to protect the residents of the north from any threat, and that's what we'll do.”, Katz reiterated, while insisting on the need to that Hezbollah advance its disarmament and dismantle its military infrastructure.
The decision to maintain troops at these five locations also comes in the context of negotiations mediated by the United States and France, in which Israel and Lebanon have formed three working groups to address issues such as border demarcation and regional stability.
Last November, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a 60-day ceasefire, which included a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops and the deployment of Lebanese forces in certain areas. However, The Israeli war cabinet determined that it was necessary to maintain positions at five points near the border to continue surveillance and prevent possible attacks.
These strategic points include Awida, from where the eastern sector and Upper Galilee are monitored; Mount Hamames, in the central sector of the border; Arziyah and Jabal al Blat, as well as their Labbouneh, in southern Lebanon.
Israeli sources maintain that the presence of troops at these sites seeks to guarantee the security of border communities and does not interfere with the ongoing dialogue process with Lebanon.
(With information from Europe Press)
Source: INFOBAE