katz-threatens-action-if-hezbollah-violates-lebanon-truce

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, made a significant visit to an Israeli military outpost in southern Lebanon on Sunday, where he issued a strong warning to Hezbollah regarding the ongoing ceasefire.

 

Katz threatened decisive action if Hezbollah failed to comply with the terms of the ceasefire, particularly the requirement to retreat behind the Litani River.

 

The ceasefire, which began on November 27, calls for Hezbollah to relocate its fighters and weapons to the northern side of the Litani River.

 

Additionally, Israeli troops are required to fully withdraw from the southern part of the Blue Line, with the Lebanese army taking control of these areas. The ceasefire deal has brought a fragile peace to the region after 14 months of intense conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah.

 

During his visit to the outpost, which overlooks the Lebanese villages of Marun al-Ras and Yaroun, Katz reviewed the security arrangements and preparations for the next phases of the ceasefire agreement.

 

In a statement, he warned, "If Hezbollah attempts to violate the ceasefire, we will crush its head." His remarks underline Israel's firm stance on preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its operational infrastructure in the region, which Israel perceives as a direct threat to northern Israeli communities.

 

Katz's visit was also an opportunity to meet with senior military commanders to assess the operational readiness of Israeli forces stationed at the border. They discussed the necessary steps to ensure the ceasefire agreement’s full implementation, including monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

 

Despite the ceasefire, the border areas between Israel and Lebanon remain tense. Israel has conducted sporadic strikes in Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah militants who are allegedly violating the terms of the truce.

 

However, Hezbollah has also accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire, asserting that some of its retaliatory actions were in response to Israeli provocations.

 

The ceasefire agreement, which brought an end to the confrontations that erupted in October 2023, is being closely monitored by an international body. The implementation is overseen by the United States, with the involvement of France, UNIFIL forces, and both the Lebanese and Israeli armies.

 

This cooperation aims to ensure that the terms of the ceasefire are adhered to and that there are no violations that could reignite hostilities between the two sides.