Israel tells Pentagon it will keep troops in security zones
Israel has told the United States that it will keep its troops in security zones inside Lebanon, Syria and Gaza. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the army is determined to remain in these areas to protect border communities from what he described as jihadist threats. The statement came after a call with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, during which Israel reaffirmed its position on troop deployment in the occupied or controlled zones. Israeli officials say the forces will stay in place for security reasons and to prevent attacks on residents near the borders. The move is likely to remain a major point of tension in the region, as critics continue to question how long the forces will remain in the areas.
