Israel will not withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon even if the United States requests it, said Defense Minister Israel Katz, emphasizing that the military presence will continue for security reasons.

The Israeli defense minister noted that approximately 200,000 residents will not be able to return to their homes, referring to those displaced to Lebanon due to Israeli operations and attacks, according to statements cited by The Times of Israel.

As he noted, experience from previous “safety zones” shows that the presence of a civilian population is accompanied by attacks on soldiers, such as improvised explosive devices and ambushes.

““What happened in the past in the safety zones, where there was also a civilian population, were roadside bombs and attacks against soldiers, and that is why we will not allow it,” Katz noted.

“We will not allow this. We are not leaving,” he emphasized.

The president of Lebanon spoke about a plan to “consolidate” the ceasefire following Israel’s withdrawal

Meanwhile, Lebanon aims to consolidate the ceasefire in the southern part of the country following a possible withdrawal of Israeli forces, through the deployment of the Lebanese army, according to earlier remarks by the country’s president, Joseph Aoun.

Aoun told a British delegation visiting the country that his government’s efforts are focused on strengthening the ceasefire in the south, by deploying the national army to areas from which Israeli forces will withdraw.

As he noted, the next step will be the reconstruction of the devastated areas.

At the same time, he emphasized that the Israel–Lebanon talks in Washington are being conducted independently of the U.S.–Iran negotiations.