Katz: no one's permission needed to stay in Lebanon

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israel will continue its military presence in southern Lebanon, stressing that it does not need permission to stay there as long as what he described as the threat from Hezbollah continues.

9 July, 2026 12:30

NEWSDESK

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said today that Israel had not sought permission from any party to enter Lebanon or remain there, adding that this was a “right and duty” to protect residents of northern Israel from Hezbollah threats.

Katz added that the Israeli military had inflicted significant losses on Hezbollah over the past two and a half years, including the destruction of a large part of its military capabilities and the killing of several of its leaders.

He confirmed that Israel would continue operating from the security zone in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed and the threat is removed.

The remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump said he expected Israel and Lebanon to reach understandings that could lead to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.

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ANHA