Story perspectives

Israel Declares IDF Stay in Lebanon Until Hezbollah Defeated

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israel's defence minister said the IDF will stay in southern Lebanon without outside approval.
Israel Katz said forces will remain in the Lebanese security zone until Hezbollah is disarmed, rejecting President Donald Trump’s withdrawal claim.
Katz called the presence a privilege and right to protect Galilee residents from Hezbollah.
He said the zone runs from the Mediterranean coast to Beaufort and Mount Hermon’s slopes, where troops target Hezbollah sites.

History

Historical Context

After Israel’s 1985 creation of a 10-km South Lebanon security zone—staffed by roughly 1,500 IDF soldiers and the Israel-backed South Lebanon Army—Hezbollah emerged to resist the occupation. The zone persisted until Israel’s unilateral pullout in May 2000, a move that dissolved the SLA and cemented Hezbollah’s role, shaping today’s calls for full disarmament.

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Story summary

Israel's defence minister said the IDF will stay in southern Lebanon without outside approval.
Israel Katz said forces will remain in the Lebanese security zone until Hezbollah is disarmed, rejecting President Donald Trump’s withdrawal claim.
Katz called the presence a privilege and right to protect Galilee residents from Hezbollah.
He said the zone runs from the Mediterranean coast to Beaufort and Mount Hermon’s slopes, where troops target Hezbollah sites.

1 / 2