JERUSALEM – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed on Tuesday that Israel intends to disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon through a combination of "military and diplomatic means."
اضافة اعلان
Katz stated that the "strategic objective of the campaign in Lebanon is the disarmament of Hezbollah achieved through a mix of military action and diplomatic measures."
Despite a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel being in effect since midnight last Thursday, the Defense Minister issued a stern warning to the Lebanese government. He threatened to resume military operations if Beirut "continues to fail in fulfilling its obligations," adding, "We will act in the same manner against any fire originating from Lebanese territory."
In a parallel development, the Israeli military spokesperson warned residents of approximately 80 villages in southern Lebanon against returning to their homes, claiming that Hezbollah's activities in those areas are "ongoing" despite the truce.
While the ceasefire has been marred by several violations, a new round of "direct" talks between Lebanon and Israel is scheduled to take place in Washington this Thursday. According to a U.S. State Department official, this meeting comes roughly ten days after the initial round of negotiations.
