U.S. Says Permanent IDF Presence in Lebanon Conflicts With Framework

An unnamed U.S. State Department official said a permanent Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon would conflict with the Washington-backed framework and with long-term security for both countries. The official said the United States supports Lebanon's sovereignty, while Israel's gradual withdrawal remains conditional on verified Hezbollah disarmament and the dismantling of its infrastructure. The Lebanese Armed Forces have begun implementing initial pilot zones, according to the official. Defense Minister Israel Katz, touring southern Lebanon with senior IDF commanders, said he had ordered preparations for a prolonged stay and that Israel would not leave the security zone.