▲ Israel Katz, Minister of Defense of Israel
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has dismissed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the potential withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
In a statement on July 9 (local time), Minister Katz said, "We did not ask for anyone's approval when we entered Lebanon, and we do not need any approval to continue our presence there."
He asserted, "It is our right and our duty to protect the residents of the Galilee and the citizens of Israel from the threat of Hezbollah, a terrorist group whose goal is the destruction of the State of Israel."
Minister Katz further emphasized, "As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have made clear, we will continue to remain in the security zone within Lebanon and conduct operations as necessary until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon and the threat to the residents of the north is eliminated."
Previously, President Trump said the day before in Ankara, Turkey, where a NATO summit was held, that he had met with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara. Trump stated, "I spoke to Bibi (a nickname for Prime Minister Netanyahu) about that. I think they will (withdraw). They want to as well," adding, "They are getting along well with Lebanon, and they are also signing an agreement with Lebanon."
(Photo: Provided by the Israel Defense Forces, Yonhap News)
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