Israel vows to keep troops in Lebanon, Gaza and Syria

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel will "under no circumstances" withdraw its troops from Lebanon, Gaza and Syria, a firm declaration that comes as multilateral ceasefire and de-escalation efforts continue across the region. The remarks cast fresh doubt over the diplomatic track pursued by regional and international mediators.

Katz argued that Israel's continued military presence remains necessary for regional security, but the statement drew sharp criticism from the governments of Lebanon and Syria, both of which characterized the deployment as a violation of their sovereignty. Officials in Beirut and Damascus renewed calls for a full withdrawal timeline.

The declaration could also complicate US-led regional diplomacy, as Washington has been working to bring the parties toward an agreed phased withdrawal schedule. Analysts say that if Israel's position holds firm, tension across the three fronts is likely to persist well into the coming months, delaying any broader de-escalation and complicating reconstruction efforts in affected areas.