Israeli Defense Chiefs Back Long-Term Buffer Zones on Three Fronts

Interviews with senior current and former Israeli defense officials found broad support for keeping security zones inside Gaza, Lebanon and Syria for years, while continuing the campaign between wars. A majority favored eventual Palestinian Authority administration in Gaza and said strategic high ground mattered more than retaining any particular percentage of the Strip. Most said Israel could reduce its Lebanon footprint from the current 10 kilometers or more, but voiced distrust of Lebanese army pilot deployments; almost none supported a major withdrawal in Syria. Officials differed over Iran's permissible enrichment level but broadly favored anytime, anywhere inspections.