Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has vowed to destroy infrastructure and keep troops in a so-called “security zone” as well as in Syria and Gaza during a visit to southern Lebanon, AFP reports.

“As the prime minister and I have clearly stated, we are not withdrawing from this security zone,” Katz said, according to a statement from his office.

The Israeli military “is here to protect the northern communities and its own forces. We will clear this area and guarantee the security of the residents of the north. We will in no way withdraw from the security zones: not in Lebanon, not in Syria, and not in Gaza,” he adds.

In southern Lebanon, Katz says the military is “destroying the underground infrastructure” in the area and “destroying all the houses”.