Defense Minister Israel Katz on Thursday dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion made Wednesday that Israeli forces would exit Lebanon, affirming that troops will remain in designated security areas for as long as necessary.
“We did not seek anyone’s permission to enter Lebanon, nor do we require it to remain there,” Katz said.
He further emphasized that safeguarding Israeli citizens from Hezbollah is both a “privilege and right,” and that the Israel Defense Forces will sustain their presence in southern Lebanon until the militant group is fully disarmed and the danger eliminated.
On Wednesday, Trump expressed his belief that Israel would pull its troops from southern Lebanon voluntarily, contradicting earlier statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggesting a different stance.
Speaking to reporters during the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump indicated he had raised the possibility of a withdrawal with Netanyahu.
“I think they’re going to. I think they want to,” Trump said. “We have an understanding with Israel and Lebanon. They’ll leave, and I believe it will work out very well.”
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