Israel Vows to Keep Troops in Security Zones Across Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria

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Israel Vows to Keep Troops in Security Zones Across Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria

 

Israeli troops will remain stationed indefinitely in security buffer zones across Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, according to Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz. His remarks mark a clear shift in Israel's long-term military strategy amid ongoing regional tensions.

 

Katz stated that Israeli forces "will remain in the security zones as a buffer between the enemy and [Israeli] communities in any temporary or permanent situation in Gaza - as in Lebanon and Syria." The declaration confirms Israel's intention to maintain its military footprint beyond the recent hostilities, regardless of whether a lasting peace agreement is achieved.

 

Over the past several weeks, Israeli forces have intensified operations in Gaza, capturing more than half of the territory in an effort to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. This renewed military campaign followed the collapse of a temporary ceasefire. Currently, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 believed to be alive. Many others were released during earlier ceasefire arrangements or through negotiated deals.

 

 

Katz emphasized a shift in Israel's military doctrine, saying "unlike in the past" the Israeli Defence Forces are "not evacuating areas that have been cleared and seized." This reflects a strategic decision to hold territory indefinitely, aimed at preventing future attacks and ensuring greater security for Israeli civilians.

 

Israel has adopted a similar approach in Lebanon, where it continues to occupy select areas despite a truce reached with Hezbollah last year. The continued presence of Israeli troops has drawn criticism from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who said Israel's actions are "hindering" the Lebanese army’s ability to fully deploy in accordance with the ceasefire terms negotiated between the two sides.

 

A comparable security buffer has also been established in southern Syria, where Israeli forces moved in following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December. Israel maintains that its control of these strategic zones is essential to safeguarding its northern borders from hostile activity.

 

Israel argues that such measures are necessary to prevent a recurrence of the devastating October 7, 2023, attack, in which militants crossed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and kidnapping around 250. That incident served as the catalyst for the current conflict and continues to shape Israeli military policy.

 

Katz’s announcement underscores Israel's commitment to a defensive posture rooted in territorial control, signaling that these buffer zones are likely to remain a permanent feature of the regional landscape.

 

Based on a report by Sky News  2025-04-18