Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and he are pursuing a policy that will keep Israeli army forces in the security zones of Lebanon, Syria and Gaza without a time limit. He stated that Israel opposes any withdrawal of troops from Lebanon despite existing pressures and future considerations.
Gallant noted that Netanyahu has explained this stance to U.S. President Donald Trump and senior American officials, and Gallant himself briefed U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the matter yesterday.
He warned that if Iran were to attack Israel over events in Lebanon, Israel would respond with full force and demonstrate its power clearly.