📍 ISRAEL SAID THE IDF WILL REMAIN IN SECURITY ZONES ACROSS THREE FRONTS: Defense Minister Israel Katz told U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth that Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.
During an overnight call, Katz said the IDF intended to maintain forces inside established security zones in all three territories, according to Al Arabiya English. The position reportedly conflicts with President Trump’s recent demands that Israel withdraw from Syria and Lebanon because of concerns that its presence was contributing to regional tensions.
Katz argued that Israel had never asked the United States to operate on its behalf along Israel’s borders. Hegseth briefed him on continuing American operations in Iran, and the two agreed to maintain close security coordination.
The IDF has also begun constructing a line of permanent outposts in southern Lebanon, according to Maariv. Israel currently controls approximately 60% of Gaza and maintains a security zone extending roughly 10 kilometers into Lebanon.
The declaration followed the conclusion of a fifth round of U.S.-brokered talks in Rome intended to establish a phased Israeli withdrawal. Israel’s decision could deepen disagreements between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu over regional deployments.
🧱 HEZBOLLAH REJECTED LEBANON’S DISARMAMENT FRAMEWORK: Hezbollah MP Hussein al-Hajj Hassan described Lebanese government efforts under the framework agreement with Israel as “Don Quixote-like,” citing the absence of an Israeli withdrawal timetable and opposition within state institutions.
Hezbollah continues to reject disarmament and argues that the government’s approach does not reflect Israel’s continuing military presence. Al-Hajj Hassan said nine cabinet ministers opposed the current framework, signaling a growing confrontation between Hezbollah and the Lebanese state.
🚫 SYRIA INTERCEPTED A LARGE SHIPMENT REPORTEDLY BOUND FOR HEZBOLLAH: Syrian Interior Ministry special units stopped a truck at the Iraq-Syria border that was reportedly traveling toward Banias.
The cargo included 150 explosive drones, long-range missiles and anti-tank missiles. Syrian officials said the weapons were intended for Hezbollah and were being transported through Syrian territory.
Hezbollah denied operating inside Syria and called the allegations “fabricated stories with no basis,” claiming they were intended to discredit the organization and serve a Zionist-American agenda.
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