Israeli Defense Minister Katz Says Hezbollah Strengthened by Trump Pressure, Israeli Presence in Lebanon to Be Long-Term

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated that Hezbollah has reinforced its presence in southern Lebanon as a result of pressure exerted by US President Donald Trump on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He added that linking the Iranian and Lebanese fronts served American interests, and without this connection, Hezbollah would have collapsed.

Katz further asserted that the Israeli military's presence in Lebanon will be long-term. He emphasized that Israel holds no regional ambitions in Lebanon but will not withdraw before Hezbollah is disarmed.