Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that Israeli forces would not withdraw from what Israel calls its "security zones" in southern Lebanon or Gaza, in a video statement filmed from the Israeli-occupied Beaufort Ridge in Lebanon.

Katz's remarks came days after Israeli and Lebanese officials held talks in Rome on implementing a 26 June agreement linking Israel's phased withdrawal from southern Lebanon to the verified disarmament of Hezbollah.

Hezbollah, which is not a party to the agreement, has rejected calls to disarm. The US has since criticised Katz's remarks, saying they are inconsistent with Israel's commitments under the agreement.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would not withdraw from "security zones" in southern Lebanon or Gaza. His remarks came after talks linking Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon to Hezbollah's verified disarmament. pic.twitter.com/nFXNuXWuZI

— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) August 13, 2026