Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the military does not plan to leave the security zone in southern Lebanon until there is a lasting security arrangement for communities in northern Israel. His message linked any future change on the ground to stronger long-term guarantees for civilian safety along the border.
According to the report, Zamir delivered that position during a visit to southern Lebanon on Wednesday. He was joined by senior officers, including Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, 91st Division commander Brig. Gen. Yuval Gaz, and other commanders.
The statement signals that Israel is treating the security zone as an active buffer for now, rather than a temporary position with a fixed exit date. By tying a withdrawal to broader security conditions, the army is emphasizing protection of northern towns over a rapid redeployment.
The visit by Zamir and top field commanders also underlined the importance Israel places on the northern front. For residents near the Lebanon border, the central message was that the military presence will remain in place until officials believe a more durable level of security has been achieved.
