JERUSALEM (VINnews)-Israeli forces will remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip for an unlimited duration to safeguard civilians from jihadist threats, Defense Minister Israel Katz declared Thursday.

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Speaking at an IDF officer cadets graduation ceremony at the officers’ school in southern Israel, known as Bahad 1, Katz emphasized that Israel will not withdraw from these areas.

“We will not compromise on Israel’s supreme security interest: protecting our soldiers and safeguarding our citizens, and we will not withdraw from the security zones,” Katz said.

The defense minister described the ongoing presence as essential “to protect our residents and communities against jihadist elements.”

Katz also issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that any Iranian attack on Israel — whether in response to Israeli operations in Lebanon or for any other reason — would trigger a powerful Israeli retaliation.

“If Iran attacks Israel because of our actions in Lebanon, or for any other reason, we will strike it with full force,” he said.

The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions, with Israeli forces engaged in operations aimed at neutralizing threats along the northern and southern borders.