On Thursday, July 16, 2026, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz informed US counterpart Pete Hegseth that Israel is committed to maintaining its forces in security zones within Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip. Katz emphasized that these deployments are crucial for protecting Israel's borders and nearby communities from militant threats.

Katz's office released a statement highlighting the minister's determination to remain in these zones to safeguard Israeli interests. He also stated, "We have never asked the United States to act in our place along our borders."

This declaration follows reports that US President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli troops from Syria and Lebanon, citing concerns that the Israeli presence was escalating tensions in Syria, according to Axios.

Since the overthrow of Syria's long-time leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Israel has deployed troops in a UN-monitored buffer zone on the Golan Heights and conducted repeated incursions and bombings in southern Syria, seeking a demilitarized zone there.

In Lebanon, Israeli forces continue to operate within a security zone extending about 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory. Lebanon and Israel, lacking formal diplomatic relations, are currently engaged in talks to end hostilities following Hezbollah's involvement in the regional conflict earlier this year.

In Gaza, Israel controls 60 percent of the territory and maintains a military presence along the entire perimeter bordering Israel and Egypt.

Sources