Israel Refuses to Leave Security Zones in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared on Wednesday that Israeli forces will not withdraw from what Israel terms "security zones" in southern Lebanon, Gaza, or Syria, a statement that drew immediate criticism from the United States as inconsistent with a recent framework agreement. The remarks, delivered in a video filmed from the Israeli-occupied Beaufort Ridge in Lebanon, came days after Israeli and Lebanese officials held talks in Rome on implementing a June 26 agreement that links Israel's phased withdrawal from southern Lebanon to the verified disarmament of Hezbollah.

Katz stated he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare for an extended presence in the field. "As the Prime Minister and I have clearly stated, we are not withdrawing from this security zone under no circumstances will we withdraw," he said. The declaration appeared to harden Israel's position, which has been to condition any withdrawal on the complete disarmament of Hezbollah, a group not party to the agreement that has rejected calls to give up its weapons.

The U.S. State Department responded with a direct rebuke, saying a permanent Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon is...