“We will not accept any arrangement that does not include the achievement of our war objectives and the withdrawal of Hezbollah” (Israel Katz)

Visiting the IDF Northern Command this Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz adopted a firm stance regarding the conflict with Hezbollah, categorically ruling out any ceasefire and promising an intensification of military operations.

“We will not pause, we will not take our foot off the accelerator, and we will not accept any arrangement that does not include achieving our war objectives,” Katz said during his first visit to Northern Command , accompanied by Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Northern Front Commander General Uri Gordin. The minister highlighted the recent successes of Israeli operations: “We dealt heavy blows to Hezbollah and eliminated Nasrallah. It is precisely now that we must continue to strike with all our strength to realize the fruits of victory.” He notably highlighted the expansion of ground operations in southern Lebanon and strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in the Dahiyeh district of Beirut.

Israeli conditions for any future resolution of the conflict are clear and non-negotiable according to Katz: the complete disarmament of Hezbollah, the withdrawal of the organization beyond the Litani River, the guarantee of the safe return of residents of northern Israel to their homes and maintaining Israel's right to act militarily against any terrorist activity. “We are paying a heavy and painful price,” acknowledged the minister, sending his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and his wishes for recovery to the injured. Nevertheless, he emphasized the strategic importance of the current military successes: “The whole world watches and admires our achievements. This also strengthens the power of the State of Israel, and we must use it to achieve our goals of the as quickly and efficiently as possible.” The visit comes amid heightened tensions on Israel's northern border, where exchanges of fire with Hezbollah have intensified since the start of the Gaza war. The minister was notably able to examine the large arsenal seized from Hezbollah bases and headquarters during recent operations.