Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz told his U.S. counterpart Pete Hegseth that Israel intends to maintain its military presence in what it describes as “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip, saying the deployments are necessary to protect Israel’s borders and nearby communities.

Katz’s office said the two defense chiefs spoke overnight, with the Israeli minister stressing that Israel was determined to remain in the areas where its forces are deployed to counter threats from armed groups and other hostile actors.

“Israel is determined to remain in the security zones in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon in order to protect Israel’s borders and the communities near the border from the threats posed by terrorist forces,” Katz’s office said in a statement.

The remarks appeared to push back against comments made a day earlier by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he believed Israel would withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon.

Speaking on Wednesday, Trump said: “I think Israel is going to withdraw troops from southern Lebanon.”

Katz, however, said Israel’s military presence in Lebanon would continue for as long as necessary and was based solely on Israel’s security requirements.

“We did not ask for permission from anyone to enter Lebanon, and we do not need permission to remain in Lebanon,” Katz said. “It is our right and duty to protect the residents of the Galilee and the citizens of Israel from the threats of the jihadist terrorist organization Hezbollah.”

The Israeli defense minister added that Israel had never relied on the United States to defend its borders and would continue taking action independently against threats facing the country.

“We have never asked the United States to act on our behalf along our borders. We are committed to defending the citizens of Israel against every threat, and that is what we intend to do,” Katz said.

During the call, Hegseth updated Katz on U.S. military operations in Iran, and the two officials agreed to continue close coordination between their countries in response to any possible developments, according to Katz’s office.

The Israeli minister also briefed his American counterpart on Israel’s military activities in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon.