Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz Announces Indefinite IDF Presence in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria Security Zones

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israel Defense Forces will maintain an indefinite military presence in 'security zones' in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and southern Syria. This strategy aims to act as a buffer against hostile forces following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. The policy has been criticized by Palestinian authorities and neighboring countries as a violation of international law and an impediment to ceasefire and hostage negotiations. The U.N. and human rights groups have raised concerns about the humanitarian impact and legality of Israel's actions.

Israel’s New Security Doctrine

In a statement released on April 16, Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a significant shift in Israel’s military strategy. “Unlike in the past, the [Israeli military] is not evacuating areas that have been cleared and seized,” Katz said. “The military 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 policy marks a departure from previous Israeli military operations, where forces would typically withdraw after achieving tactical objectives. Katz emphasized that the new approach is designed to prevent future attacks similar to the October 7 assault, in which Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 people and abducted 251 others in a surprise cross-border raid from Gaza.

Military Operations and Territorial Control

Israeli forces have taken control of more than half of the Gaza Strip in a renewed offensive aimed at pressuring Hamas to release the remaining hostages. According to Israeli officials, 59 hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza, with 24 confirmed alive. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue military operations until all hostages are returned and Hamas is dismantled.

In Lebanon, Israel has refused to fully withdraw from several strategic positions in the south, despite a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah reached in late 2024. The Lebanese army has begun deploying in the region, but Israeli forces continue to occupy five key positions. Tensions remain high, with ongoing Israeli airstrikes reportedly killing at least 71 civilians since the ceasefire took effect on November 27, 2024.

In Syria, Israel has established a buffer zone in the south following the collapse of President Bashar Assad’s regime in December 2024. The area is now under Israeli military control, with Katz stating that the zone is essential to protect Israeli settlements from cross-border threats.

Hostage Negotiations and Ceasefire Talks

The announcement of an indefinite military presence has further complicated ongoing negotiations with Hamas over a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages. Hamas has stated that it will not agree to any deal unless Israel fully withdraws from Gaza and commits to a lasting ceasefire.

“There is one solution that is desirable and feasible, and that is the release of all the hostages at once as part of an agreement, even at the cost of ending the war,” an Israeli government statement said. However, critics argue that Israel’s continued territorial expansion undermines the prospects for a negotiated resolution.

The main organization representing the families of hostages expressed frustration with the government’s priorities. “They promised that the hostages come first. In practice, Israel is choosing to seize territory before the hostages,” the group said in a statement.

International and Regional Reactions

The Palestinian Authority and neighboring Arab countries have condemned Israel’s actions, labeling the military presence in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria as an illegal occupation. Human rights experts and the United Nations have raised concerns about the legality of the policy and its humanitarian consequences.

“The ceasefire must hold and any escalation is a risk for stability in general in Lebanon, Israel and the whole region,” said Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The OHCHR reported that at least 71 civilians, including 14 women and nine children, have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon since the ceasefire began. Over 92,000 people remain displaced.

In Gaza, hundreds of thousands of residents have been evacuated, and large portions of the territory have been incorporated into Israeli-controlled security zones. Katz also confirmed that a plan for the “voluntary emigration” of Gazans is progressing, echoing a proposal originally put forward by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The plan has been widely rejected by Palestinians and Arab nations, who fear it could lead to a second mass displacement similar to the 1948 Nakba.

Strategic Implications and U.S. Involvement

The Israeli government has justified its actions as necessary for national security, particularly in light of the U.S. decision to begin withdrawing troops from Syria within the next two months. Israeli officials have expressed concern that the U.S. exit could reduce their operational flexibility in the region and have warned both Washington and Ankara against establishing military bases in areas like T4 and Palmyra, which Israel considers sensitive.

Despite Israeli objections, U.S. security officials have reportedly informed their Israeli counterparts that the withdrawal will proceed as planned. The Israeli security establishment continues to lobby for a reversal of the decision, citing the growing threat from Iranian-backed militias and the strategic importance of maintaining a presence in Syria.

Humanitarian and Legal Concerns

The international community has voiced alarm over the humanitarian impact of Israel’s military operations. The U.N. human rights office has called for investigations into all incidents where civilians have been killed, including the destruction of a medical center in Naqoura, Lebanon, on April 3.

“Israeli military operations in Lebanon continue to kill and injure civilians, and destroy civilian infrastructure, raising concerns regarding the protection of civilians,” said Al-Kheetan.

Palestinians in Gaza have expressed fear that the current military strategy could lead to permanent displacement. “We don’t want to leave,” said one resident. “We fear another Nakba.”

References

• Israeli defense minister says troops will remain in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria indefinitely
• UN human rights office concerned about Israeli strikes on civilians in Lebanon
• Lebanon says one dead in Israeli strike in south
• US to withdraw troops from Syria within 2 months, Israel media reports
• Israeli defense minister says troops will remain in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria indefinitely
• Israeli defense minister says troops will remain in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria indefinitely
• Israel threatens to broaden Gaza operation if Hamas rejects deal