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Source: https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/06/29/katz-idf-prepared-independent-iran-strike-hezbollah/
Israeli Defense Minister Katz: IDF's Presence in Lebanon Will Be Long-Term
(Israel Hayom) Lilach Shoval - Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday that he met on Friday with the commander of U.S. Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper. Katz said, "I agreed with him that the IDF will not withdraw from the three security zones - in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. The soldiers of the Lebanese Armed Forces will not suddenly turn into lions and charge at Hizbullah. The IDF's presence in Lebanon will be long-term." According to defense establishment estimates, there are 1,200 terrorists between the Yellow Line and the Litani River, and another 1,300 terrorists up to the Zahrani River, totaling about 2,500 Hizbullah terrorists south of the Zahrani River. Katz said, "The equation stands - rocket fire on Israeli communities means an immediate assault on the Dahieh [Hizbullah stronghold in Beirut]." "If Iran fires missiles at Israel, Israel will strike back with immense force inside Iran....The IDF is preparing to act independently in Iran, for a blue-and-white operation. The IDF is just waiting for it. We have selected targets to strike in Iran, and the IDF is prepared and alert, but we will not interfere with the U.S. President's current moves vis-a-vis the Iranians."