Israeli defence minister: Military to remain in southern Lebanon, Syria, Gaza

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel has destroyed 24 villages in southern Lebanon that had served as strongholds for Hezbollah's military wing and intends to maintain its military presence in parts of Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip.

Speaking in an interview with C14 TV ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, Katz said the villages had been "completely destroyed," including the town of Bint Jbeil.

According to Katz, the Israeli military now controls about 700 square kilometres of territory in southern Lebanon, stretching from the Mediterranean coast to the slopes of Mount Hermon. He said the presence is intended to prevent attacks on Israeli communities and anti-tank fire across the border.

Katz added that the Israel Defence Forces continue to operate in southern Lebanon, including by destroying tunnels that he said belonged to Hezbollah. He stated that the government has no plans to withdraw from what he described as three security zones in southern Lebanon, the Gaza Strip and Syria, adding that he believes Trump understands Israel's position.

Separately, Israel's Channel 13 reported on July 27 that Netanyahu told cabinet ministers the United States is pressing Israel to withdraw troops from Gaza, Lebanon and Syria as part of a broader series of redeployments. According to the broadcaster, Netanyahu said he intends to reject Washington's request. The U.S. administration has not publicly commented on the reported discussions.

By Sabina Mammadli