Foreign Minister Israel Katz Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90
Israeli Defence Minister IsraelKatz has issued a harsh statement against the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, accusing it of failing to comply with the terms of the ceasefire that came into force on 27 November. According to Katz, Hezbollah militants have not yet withdrawn north of the Litani River, as stipulated by the agreements, and have not disarmed their positions, Time of Israel reports .
“If this condition is not fulfilled, the agreement will be meaningless, and Israel will be forced to act unilaterally to ensure the safety of the residents of the northern regions of the country,” the minister stressed.
The ceasefire, which ended a two-month standoff between the Israeli army and pro-Iranian Hezbollah, provides for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon within 60 days and the retreat of Hezbollah 30 km from the Israeli border. However, since the conclusion of the agreement, both sides have repeatedly exchanged accusations of violating it.
To date, Israeli troops have left only one sector in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah, according to Katz, continues to strengthen its positions, violating key provisions of the ceasefire.
Instead, the UN peacekeepers and the Lebanese army accuse Israel of violations, in particular, of maintaining a military presence in certain areas.
Diplomatic sources emphasise that the situation remains tense and the risk of renewed conflict is extremely high. Israel has once again called on the international community to increase pressure on Hezbollah and its allies to ensure that the terms of the ceasefire are met.
