Israeli Defense Minister Inspects Outpost in Lebanon, Warns of Strong Measures if Truce is Breached
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Jerusalem, Dec 23 (NationPress) Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz made a visit to an Israeli military outpost situated in southern Lebanon, where he issued a warning of strong measures against Hezbollah if the group does not withdraw behind the Litani River as mandated by the current ceasefire agreement.
The truce, which has been in effect since November 27, requires Hezbollah to relocate its fighters and arms to the northern side of the Litani River while Israeli forces completely exit the southern part of the Blue Line within a period of 60 days. This arrangement also includes the Lebanese army taking control of Lebanon's border regions, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Katz's trip to the outpost on Sunday, which overlooks the Lebanese villages of Marun al-Ras and Yaroun, was intended to 'oversee security arrangements before the next phases of the ceasefire agreement's implementation,' according to his office's statement.
'If Hezbollah tries to breach the ceasefire, we will crush its head,' Katz declared.
He underlined Israel's commitment to thwart Hezbollah's efforts to restore its operational capabilities in the area, which he described as a danger to communities in northern Israel.
The Defence Minister held discussions with senior military commanders to assess operational readiness along the border and to review preparations for the forthcoming stages of the ceasefire.
A delicate peace currently exists in the border regions between Israel and Lebanon following the ceasefire agreement, which concluded 14 months of hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Nonetheless, the Israeli military has conducted sporadic strikes in Lebanon, asserting they target Hezbollah militants that violate the truce.
In response to repeated Israeli assaults, Hezbollah has already breached the ceasefire once.
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect on November 27, bringing an end to confrontations that ignited on October 8, 2023.
According to the agreement, Israel is to withdraw from Lebanese territory within 60 days, while the Lebanese army will be stationed in the country's south to preclude any presence of weapons and militants south of the Litani River.
An oversight mechanism for the agreement's implementation has been established, led by the United States, with participation from France, UNIFIL forces, and the armies of Lebanon and Israel.
