▲ Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz (second from left) holds a meeting with the Israeli military leadership.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on the 13th (local time) that “there will be no ceasefire in Lebanon, and we will not ease the pressure.”
According to the Times of Israel and others, Minister Katz made these remarks during a visit to the Northern Command with Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, stating that “no agreement will be allowed that does not include achieving the war objectives.”
This is the first time Minister Katz has visited the Northern Command, which is responsible for Operation “Northern Arrow” targeting the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
Minister Katz mentioned that Israel’s right to respond to terrorist activities must be ensured.
He emphasized that “(Lebanon’s capital) Beirut’s terrorist infrastructure is collapsing, and we will continue to attack Hezbollah wherever they are.”
Minister Katz also stated the previous day on X (formerly Twitter) that “Israel will not agree to any deal that does not guarantee its right to respond and prevent terrorism independently, the achievement of war objectives in Lebanon, the disarmament and withdrawal of Hezbollah beyond the Litani River, and the safe return of residents in the north.”
Minister Katz succeeded Yoav Gallant, who advocated for the necessity of ceasefire talks and was dismissed following a clash with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the 5th. Since then, Katz has been issuing strong messages, including the possibility of attacking Iranian nuclear facilities.
(Photo provided by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Yonhap News)