Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz told his US counterpart Pete Hegseth early Thursday that Israel is determined to keep its forces in “security zones” it has carved out inside Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, Katz’s office said the two men spoke overnight and the minister “emphasized Israel’s determination to remain in the security zones in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon in order to protect Israel’s borders and the communities near the border from the threats posed by jihadist forces.”

A framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel was reached following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran on June 17 to halt the war in the Middle East. It also established a ceasefire in Lebanon after Tehran’s insistence, despite efforts by Lebanon, Israel, and the United States to separate the Lebanese situation from the regional escalation.

While the frequency of exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah has decreased since June, Israeli forces continue to carry out raids and bombing operations in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has not announced any new operations against Israel or its forces since June 19, while warning against any violation of the ceasefire.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is scheduled to visit the United States on July 21 at the invitation of his American counterpart, Donald Trump. (AFP)