Israel warns it will go after Lebanon directly if cease-fire with Hezbollah collapses
Israel issued a direct warning to Lebanon on Tuesday, stating that it will no longer differentiate between Hezbollah and the country if the fragile cease-fire with the terrorist group collapses. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that there will be no exemption for Lebanon, and Jerusalem will respond with maximum force and zero tolerance.
Katz urged Beirut to authorize the Lebanese army to enforce their part of the agreement, which includes keeping Hezbollah away from the Litani River and dismantling all infrastructure associated with the terrorist group. He emphasized that if Lebanon fails to uphold the agreement and the cease-fire collapses, Israel will not hesitate to act decisively.
The recent escalation in tensions occurred after Hezbollah launched two mortars at the Mount Dov area in the northern Golan Heights, prompting Israel to respond with a wave of strikes that reportedly resulted in 11 casualties. The contested area, internationally recognized as part of Syria but occupied by Israel since 1967, has been a flashpoint for conflict.
The Trump administration’s recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019 was reaffirmed by the Biden administration, further complicating the situation. The U.S. and France, who helped broker the cease-fire, have also reportedly warned Israel about violating the agreement, including conducting surveillance drone flights over Beirut.
Despite the back-and-forth exchanges and concerns about the cease-fire’s durability, White House National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby assured reporters that the sporadic airstrikes were to be expected given the longstanding conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He highlighted the significant reduction in violence since the cease-fire was implemented, with a dramatic decrease in rocket attacks and airstrikes.
Kirby noted that mechanisms are in place to prevent further escalations and ensure compliance with the agreement. While the situation remains tense, efforts are being made to maintain the cease-fire and prevent a return to full-scale conflict.
Overall, the situation in the region remains precarious, with both sides on high alert and tensions running high. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
