Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared that Israeli troops will remain “indefinitely” in the Lebanon border buffer zone, a decision based on prevailing conditions rather than a set deadline. This announcement follows calls from Lebanon for troop withdrawal under a ceasefire that was established late last year.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli troops will remain “indefinitely” in the buffer zone along the border with Lebanon. He emphasized that this deployment is contingent upon the prevailing situation rather than being bound by a fixed time frame. Katz’s statements were made during a conference, where he highlighted the approval received from the United States regarding this strategic positioning.
This declaration follows Lebanon’s recent calls for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces under a ceasefire agreement that came into effect late last year. Minister Katz asserted, “There is a buffer zone (on the border with Lebanon), it wasn’t easy but I stood my ground, and we received a green light from the United States, we gave them a map, and we are staying indefinitely – this is situation-dependent, not time-dependent.”
In summary, Israeli troops are confirmed to remain in the buffer zone at the Lebanon border indefinitely, dictated by the situation rather than a specific timeline. This decision comes amid Lebanon’s insistence on their withdrawal following a ceasefire. The Israeli Defense Minister’s comments indicate a strategic posture supported by the United States.
Original Source: www.france24.com
