Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, warned Lebanon on Tuesday that if the recently implemented ceasefire with Hezbollah collapses, Lebanon itself will be held responsible, and Israeli military actions will no longer distinguish between Hezbollah and the Lebanese state. Katz’s warning followed a mortar attack by Hezbollah on Israeli territory and retaliatory Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, which occurred just days after the ceasefire agreement was reached.
During a visit to Israel’s northern border, Katz stressed that Israel would enforce the ceasefire agreement with full force and would not tolerate any violations. “If Hezbollah resumes old methods, such as setting up structures along the Blue Line without being attacked, we will respond strongly,” Katz said, referring to past incidents where Hezbollah built structures near the Israel-Lebanon border. He emphasized that Lebanon must ensure its army keeps Hezbollah at bay, particularly beyond the Litani River, and dismantles any military infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
“If Lebanon fails to act, and the agreement collapses, we will take action beyond the borders, and there will no longer be immunity for Lebanon as a state,” Katz warned.
In related developments, Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, including strikes in Beit Lif and Deir Seryan, which were reported by Hezbollah’s Al-Manar outlet. Meanwhile, the Israeli military took responsibility for an airstrike near Damascus International Airport in Syria, which killed Salman Jumaa, a key Hezbollah figure and liaison with the Syrian army. Jumaa, known for facilitating the transfer of weapons between Syria and Hezbollah in Lebanon, was described by the IDF as a significant loss for Hezbollah’s operations.
The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect last week, outlines that Hezbollah forces will leave southern Lebanon, and their military infrastructure will be dismantled. It also stipulates that the Israeli military will withdraw from the region within 60 days, and an American-led committee will oversee the implementation of the ceasefire. The U.S. has also provided Israel with a side letter ensuring its right to conduct reconnaissance flights over Lebanon, with certain restrictions.
In Lebanon, the army is increasing recruitment efforts, especially in the south, as it prepares to assume control of the border region. However, before the conflict began, Hezbollah’s influence and military strength in southern Lebanon far outmatched the Lebanese army’s capabilities.