Israeli Defense Minister Reaffirms Troop Presence in Southern Lebanon Despite U.S. Demands

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on June 24 that Israel will not withdraw its military from southern Lebanon, even if the United States demands it. Speaking at the MUNI EXPO 2026 municipal sector conference in Tel Aviv, Katz stated that approximately 200,000 Lebanese residents evacuated from southern Lebanese communities will not be allowed to return to areas under Israeli military control. He justified this position by citing past security incidents, noting that when civilians were present in previous security zones, improvised explosive devices were deployed and Israeli soldiers came under attack. "Soldiers inside, residents outside," Katz said, adding that the destroyed infrastructure and damaged houses made the areas unsafe for civilian return.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, also speaking at the conference, reported that Hezbollah has launched more than 7,000 rockets, missiles, and drones from Lebanon into Israel since March 2026. Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in armed conflict since March, during which Israel conducted extensive military strikes in southern Lebanon that have killed more than 4,000 people according to Lebanese official figures. Although a ceasefire agreement was announced last week, Israel has maintained its military presence in the region despite repeated calls from Lebanon for a complete Israeli withdrawal.

Israel's position reflects its assessment that Hezbollah continues to pose a threat to Israeli territory. The Israeli government has stated it will not withdraw troops from southern Lebanon as long as it regards Hezbollah units as a security threat to its northern areas, and that the Israeli military remains free to act against emerging threats in the region.

Iran has separately demanded a full ceasefire in Lebanon and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, warning that otherwise it would close the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic. However, Israel has dismissed these demands, maintaining that its military operations and presence in Lebanon are necessary for regional security.