Threat from Israel to Hezbollah: We will break the ceasefire

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz made harsh statements regarding Hezbollah, saying that if the group does not withdraw north of the Litani River, Israel will not recognize the ceasefire reached on November 27 and will intervene.

According to a report by The Times of Israel, Katz, who visited a military base in northern Israel, stated that the Tel Aviv administration is making efforts to implement the agreement. However, he emphasized that if Hezbollah does not withdraw from southern Lebanon and its ammunition and infrastructure in the region are not destroyed, Israel will "be forced to act independently."

'IF CEASEFIRE CONDITIONS ARE NOT MET, THE AGREEMENT WILL BE VOID'

Describing Hezbollah's presence in the region as a threat to Israel's northern security, Katz said:

"If the condition of withdrawing north of the Litani River is not met, the ceasefire agreement will not remain in effect. Israel will take all necessary steps to ensure that our citizens in the north can return to their homes safely."

Israel, which is frequently accused of violating the ceasefire with attacks on southern Lebanon, claims it is in a defensive position, citing Hezbollah's presence in the region. Arguing that maintaining the ceasefire is only possible with Hezbollah's complete withdrawal from the area, Katz also called on the international community to take action on this matter.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The ceasefire agreement reached between Lebanon and Israel came into effect on November 27, 2024, at 04:00 local time (05:00 Turkish time).

The second article of the agreement stated, "The Lebanese government will prevent Hezbollah or any other armed group present on Lebanese territory from conducting any operations against Israel, and Israel will not conduct any military attacks by land, sea, or air against civilian, military, or state targets in Lebanon."

In accordance with the agreement, the Lebanese army is expected to be deployed gradually within 60 days to the areas in southern Lebanon that Israel has occupied.

Israel, which continues its violations of the ceasefire, has withdrawn from 2 towns in southern Lebanon to date.