Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Israel will act against Hezbollah violations ‘at full strength,’ Katz vows after Lebanon withdrawal

The Israel Defense Forces will continue to act against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorist group in Lebanon “at full strength,” Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed on Tuesday morning in a post on X as the military reportedly completed its withdrawal from most of the territory.

“We will not allow a return to the reality of Oct. 7,” Katz declared, referring to the 2023 Hamas-led massacre in Israel’s south and the 16-month-long Hezbollah terrorist campaign that followed the attacks.

Katz reiterated in his statement that, “starting today, the IDF will remain in the buffer zone in Lebanon at five control posts along the border line, to ensure the protection of the northern communities.” Israel’s Kan News public broadcaster reported that the withdrawal from the Land of the Cedars was completed ahead of the midnight deadline. IDF officials told the outlet overnight that “the challenge is to preserve the [military] achievements and prevent Hezbollah from returning.”  (Read More)