Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a direct warning to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, urging the Lebanese government to take immediate action to disarm Hezbollah or risk broader Israeli military action. Katz stated that Lebanon had previously committed to implementing agreements requiring Hezbollah’s disarmament but has failed to follow through.
Katz stressed that Israel would not tolerate attacks against its towns or soldiers originating from Lebanese territory. He warned that if the situation escalates into a direct confrontation, Israel would prioritize defending its citizens even if that leads to severe consequences for Lebanon and its government.
According to Katz, Hezbollah continues to operate from Lebanese infrastructure and territory to target Israel, a situation he said Israel would not allow to continue. He added that if the Lebanese government does not enforce the agreement, Israel would act independently to remove the threat.
The Israeli minister also warned that the current trajectory could bring further destruction to Lebanon, referencing former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and current leader Naim Qassem. Katz insisted that Israel has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon but will prevent any return to the years when attacks were regularly launched from Lebanese soil.
