Israel’s defense minister says its troops will remain in so-called security zones in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria indefinitely, after Israel unilaterally expanded its frontiers in the war unleashed by Hamas’ Oct.

Israel's defense minister said on Wednesday that troops will remain in so-called security zones in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria indefinitely, remarks that could further complicate talks with Hamas over a ceasefire and hostage release.

Israel intends to keep all territories it has captured in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria under permanent military control. The army will remain in the occupied "security zones" to act as a buffer between hostile fighters and Israel "in any temporary or permanent reality" in those areas,