![Israeli military vehicles and tanks are stationed near the Lebanese border in northern Israel on March 14, 2026. [Tsafrir Abayov - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AA-20260314-40826483-40826473-MILITARY_BUILDUP_IN_NORTHERN_ISRAEL_AMID_ONGOING_STRIKES_ON_LEBANON.jpg)
Israeli Rabbi Eliyahu Zini has called on the Israeli military to maintain its presence in Lebanon, claiming that the country is part of Israel’s historical inheritance and opposing any withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Zini made the remarks during a parliamentary committee session on Monday, according to video footage circulated on social media and reports by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. “I spoke with several ministers last night. I asked them: Are you normal? On what basis are you giving up our ancestors’ heritage? All of Lebanon belongs to us,” Zini said. According to Haaretz, Zini is the uncle of Shin Bet chief David Zini. READ: Egypt: Full Israeli withdrawal is key to stability in Lebanon His comments come amid an ongoing debate […]