The United States has rejected Israel’s plan for a permanent military presence in southern Lebanon, stating it is inconsistent with existing commitments and affirming full support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
After Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that the IDF “will not withdraw” from the security zone and ordered preparations for a long-term presence, a senior State Department official responded that a permanent Israeli military presence violates the agreed framework. The official noted that Israel had stated it has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon and stressed that Washington “fully supports Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
Any Israeli withdrawal is expected to follow a conditions-based path tied to the verified disarmament of Hezbollah and the dismantling of its infrastructure. The Lebanese Armed Forces have already begun implementing initial pilot zones, with continued US support.
