Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon will continue indefinitely, emphasizing that its withdrawal will depend on the situation, not a set timeline.

Katz made the remarks during a visit to a military post on the outskirts of Markaba. The post, overlooking the Israeli border community of Margaliot, is one of five strategic military positions the Israeli army has maintained after a February deadline to withdraw from Lebanon, part of a ceasefire agreement that took effect in November.

The defense minister stressed the importance of the Israeli military’s presence in the region to ensure the security of nearby Israeli communities.

“The Israeli military presence here gives great confidence to the residents,” Katz said. “In addition to the powerful enforcement of the ceasefire in all areas, it is important that the Israeli military is here, maintaining a security strip with five strategic points to protect our communities and deter the other side.”

Katz made it clear that Israel’s continued military presence is not tied to a specific time frame.

“We are here without a time limit. It doesn’t depend on time. It depends on the situation,” he asserted. He added that Israel’s presence in southern Lebanon is contingent on the ongoing security threat posed by Hezbollah, which has not yet withdrawn beyond the Litani River, disarmed, or complied with international agreements.

“As long as the threat exists, and Hezbollah does not withdraw beyond the Litani, does not disarm, and the Lebanese army does not enforce, we are here to provide protection,” Katz stated.

The defense minister also confirmed that Israel has full support from the United States in maintaining its positions in southern Lebanon.

“It is our right to protect the communities, and we do not intend to change this,” Katz remarked.

Katz expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the ceasefire mechanism, which is co-chaired by the United States and France, but criticized the Lebanese army for its inconsistent enforcement of security.

“The mechanism is very important. Led by the United States, it’s doing everything it can and passes on instructions. In the end, it is up to the Lebanese army, which sometimes complies and sometimes doesn’t,” Katz said. “That’s why I say, we are responsible for security, we are responsible for enforcement, and we are acting.”