The Israeli defense minister announced that Israeli troops will remain in 'security zones' in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syria indefinitely. Israel claims it needs to hold on to these zones to prevent future attacks, but this move is seen as a violation of international law. Israel has captured and occupied territories during wars with its Arab neighbors, and it has formally annexed east Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. The Palestinians seek an independent state in these territories, and a two-state solution is seen as the only way to resolve the conflict. The United States has expressed support for Israel's actions in Gaza.