The Israeli military is tightening its grip on occupied territories. The army will remain in the city of Jenin on the West Bank following their ongoing large-scale operation, according to the army chief last week.
The military will also stay on Mount Hermon in Syria, a former demilitarized buffer zone. This presence is described by Defense Minister Katz as necessary “to ensure the safety” of residents in the adjacent Golan Heights and Israel.
Israel frequently cites ‘national security’ as a reason for occupying territories, military presence, and constructing illegal settlements. Last week, the military also announced that Israeli troops would not withdraw from southern Lebanon, despite the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.
Israel justifies the continued presence citing Lebanon’s failure to meet its obligations under the truce. However, there are concerns in Lebanon that the army will not withdraw, as was the case during the civil war in the 1980s.
Furthermore, Israeli settlers hope to establish a presence there. In December, settlers set up a tent camp with the slogan “Lebanon is ours,” which was later dismantled by the army.
Source: NOS