Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, told US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that Israel intends to keep troops in what it calls security zones inside Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip. The message was delivered early Thursday, according to a statement cited in reports from Jerusalem.
Katz said Israel was determined to maintain its forces in those areas, describing them as security zones that have been established beyond Israel's borders. The remarks point to a continued Israeli military presence across several fronts in the region.
The update came during a conversation with Hegseth, placing the issue directly before the Pentagon as Washington monitors developments involving Israel and its neighbors. The statement underscored Israel's position on holding these zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.
The announcement highlights the regional scope of Israel's current security posture and signals that its military deployment in these areas remains a key part of its strategy. It also adds to the broader political and diplomatic focus on how the conflicts around Gaza, Lebanon and Syria may evolve.
