Israeli forces will remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely, according to Defence Minister Israel Katz. The statement was made during a graduation ceremony for combat officers at the Israel Forces Officers Training School.
The Israeli military has occupied parts of southern Lebanon for decades and expanded its presence during the 2023–2024 conflict. In Gaza, Israeli forces control more than 50% of the territory following a war that resulted in over 73,000 deaths and 173,000 injuries.
Israel has maintained control over most of the Golan Heights since 1967 and extended its occupation after the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024. The country also declared the 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria void, leading to the occupation of the Syrian buffer zone.