In southern Lebanon, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed Wednesday his forces would maintain their occupation indefinitely.

Defense Minister Israel Katz: “We will clear this area and ensure the security of the residents of the north. And under no circumstances will we withdraw from security zones, not in Lebanon, not in Syria and not in Gaza.”

Katz’s remarks came after Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Israel’s demolition of homes in southern Lebanon represented a serious violation of international law.