Security Zones to Serve as Permanent Buffers Against Threats, Says Israel Katz
In a significant announcement, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Wednesday that the Israeli military will maintain a long-term presence in designated “security zones” within Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, signaling a shift in the country’s military policy in the region.
“Unlike in the past, the Israeli military is not evacuating areas that have been cleared and seized,” said Katz in an official statement. He added, “The military will remain in the security zones as a buffer between the enemy and Israeli communities in any temporary or permanent situation — in Gaza, as in Lebanon and Syria.”
This move follows Israel’s intensified military operations in Gaza, where forces have seized significant areas in a renewed campaign to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. The campaign resumed after the collapse of a ceasefire last month.
In Lebanon, Israel continues to occupy certain territories even after a ceasefire with Hezbollah. Similarly, a buffer zone remains in southern Syria, established after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Katz emphasized the necessity of holding these territories, citing the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that left Israel deeply shaken. “These zones are vital to prevent a repeat of such large-scale incursions and violence,” he stated.
The declaration is likely to intensify regional tensions, as all three zones — Gaza, southern Lebanon, and southern Syria — remain flashpoints in the broader Middle East conflict.
