The Israeli Minister of Defense stated that he will not withdraw from the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip, continuing operations against Hezbollah.

The Israeli minister Israel Katz stated that Israel will not withdraw from the security zones in the territories of Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that the army is present to protect the localities in northern Israel.

The Israeli forces are conducting operations in a strip of approximately 10 kilometers inside Lebanon, destroying underground infrastructures and houses suspected of being used by Hezbollah.

Israel and Lebanon, officially in a state of war, signed at the end of June a framework agreement that provides for the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south of the country, starting from two "pilot zones" that are to be evacuated by Israel, on the condition of Hezbollah's disarmament. The pro-Iranian group, however, rejects the agreement and refuses to give up its weapons.

Despite a ceasefire, Israel continues targeted strikes in Lebanon, and the US will organize negotiations between the two countries in September to reduce hostilities.

The war in the Middle East has led to thousands of deaths, and Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected last week a roadmap proposed by the US, which called for the disarmament of the Palestinian group Hamas and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops, stating that Israel will not withdraw its forces "as long as Hamas is not truly disarmed."