How Did a U.S. State Department Spokesperson Respond to Katz's Remarks?

A U.S. State Department spokesperson speaking to MTV commented on Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's latest remarks, stating: "The United States expects all parties to act in accordance with the framework they have agreed upon. Israel has explicitly stated it has no regional ambitions in Lebanon, and any permanent military presence in southern Lebanon is inconsistent with the commitments made under the framework, as well as with long-term peace and security for both countries."

"The United States fully supports Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty. The framework clearly outlines a conditional, phased process for redeployment, linked to verification of Hezbollah's disarmament and dismantling of its infrastructure," the spokesperson added.

"The Lebanese army is currently carrying out operations in the first pilot zones, and the United States will continue to support the full implementation of this process," the spokesperson continued.

Earlier, Katz had stated during a visit to the Israeli military in southern Lebanon that "Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in southern Lebanon," adding that he had instructed the "Israeli military to take all necessary steps for a long-term presence in the security zone in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza."