Israel tells Pentagon chief will keep troops in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza 'security zones'
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has informed the U.S. that Israel intends to maintain security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza to protect its borders. This stance directly contradicts recent requests from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged for a withdrawal of forces to reduce regional tensions.
Why it matters
The disagreement highlights a significant diplomatic rift between the U.S. and Israel regarding post-conflict security arrangements in the Middle East.
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz told his U.S. counterpart Pete Hegseth early on Thursday (July 16, 2026) that Israel is determined to keep its forces in "security zones" it has carved out inside Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip.
In a statement, Mr. Katz's office said the two men spoke overnight and the minister "emphasised Israel's determination to remain in the security zones in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon in order to protect Israel's borders and the communities near the border from the threats posed by jihadist forces".
"We have never asked the United States to act in our place along our borders," Mr. Katz said.
His comments come days after U.S. President Donald Trump asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pull Israeli forces out of Syria and Lebanon, according to U.S. news outlet Axios.
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