Israeli army to remain at strategic points in southern Lebanon "indefinitely": defense minister

JERUSALEM, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Friday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain its presence at five strategic locations in southern Lebanon "indefinitely," regardless of ongoing negotiations over 13 disputed border points.

During a security assessment on Thursday with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior military officials, Katz emphasized that the IDF will continue to hold these five positions, which control the buffer zone in Lebanon, as a measure to safeguard northern Israeli communities.

"This decision is entirely independent of any future negotiations concerning disputed border points," his office stated in an announcement, adding that Katz has instructed the IDF to reinforce its positions at these strategic sites and prepare for an extended deployment.

Since Nov. 27, 2024, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has been in effect, bringing an end to prolonged clashes between Hezbollah and Israel triggered by the Gaza war.

Despite the agreement, the Israeli military occasionally carries out strikes in Lebanon, claiming to target "threats" posed by Hezbollah. Israeli forces also remain in several strategic locations in Lebanon despite the Feb. 18 withdrawal deadline outlined in the agreement.  ■