Israeli defence minister says Israel has 'no intention of withdrawing' from southern Lebanon

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Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel has no intention of withdrawing from the security zone in southern Lebanon, specifically the Beaufort Castle area. Israeli troops captured the strategic Beaufort Castle and surrounding ridge, deepening Israel's military presence beyond the 'Yellow Line' ceasefire demarcation.

Israeli defence minister says Israel has 'no intention of withdrawing' from southern Lebanon Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz wrote on X that "Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon." "Israel has no intention of withdrawing from the Beaufort, which is an integral part of the security zone in Lebanon and essential for the defense of the Galilee communities and Israeli Defense Forces," he said. Israeli troops have captured the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle and the strategic ridge surrounding it in southern Lebanon on 31 May.  The capture of the medieval castle and ridge deepened Israeli footprint in the country beyond the demarcation zone known as the "Yellow Line", which it established in April following the ceasefire.