Israeli DM says military to remain in S. Lebanon even if U.S. demands withdrawal

JERUSALEM, June 24 — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that the Israeli military will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, even if there is a demand from the United States.

Speaking at the MUNI EXPO 2026, a municipal sector conference and innovation exhibition in Tel Aviv, the minister added that 200,000 Lebanese residents who were evacuated from southern Lebanese communities will not be allowed to return home.