Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that Israeli troops will remain at a military position on the Lebanese border indefinitely to defend border communities. The position in Markaba is one of five strategic points where the Israel Defense Forces have remained after a February deadline to withdraw from Lebanon. Katz emphasized the importance of the IDF's presence in providing security to the communities and deterring the other side. The November ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah brought relative calm after a year of hostilities, but the IDF has continued to strike Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah military sites and operatives. Katz stated that as long as the threat exists and Hezbollah does not withdraw and disarm, the IDF will remain to provide protection.