Israel Says It Will Keep Security Zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza

Overview

• Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly declared that Israel will not withdraw forces from designated security zones in Lebanon, Syria and most of the Gaza Strip and that cleared terrorist camps in northern Samaria will remain occupied.
• Katz said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare to retain the ability to strike on their own to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
• The minister signaled that any U.S.-led agreement with Iran must curb missiles and Tehran’s regional proxy networks, and he described the proposed deal as driven by U.S. interests.
• Katz made these statements on Friday, June 12, 2026, framing them as both reassurance to northern communities and a deterrent message to Iran and its allied militias.
• Analysts say sustained occupation of forward zones could shape post-conflict arrangements in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria and raise the risk of further clashes with Iran-backed groups while pressing the United States to tighten diplomatic limits on missiles and proxies.