Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has accused Hezbollah of failing to adhere to the ceasefire agreement that came into effect on November 27, following two months of intense conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
After a visit to Israel’s northern military command, Katz warned that continued violations by Hezbollah could lead to military action.
He emphasized that Hezbollah had not complied with the condition of withdrawing “beyond the Litani River” in southern Lebanon as stipulated by the ceasefire. “If this condition is not fulfilled, there will be no agreement, and Israel will be forced to take action to ensure the safe return of residents to the north,” Katz stated.
The ceasefire agreement includes key provisions such as Hezbollah’s withdrawal north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the Israeli border, the dismantling of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in southern Lebanon, and the deployment of the Lebanese army along with UN peacekeepers in the south, as Israel gradually withdraws within a 60-day period.
Katz also criticized the Lebanese army for its failure to dismantle Hezbollah’s weapons and eliminate terrorist infrastructure in the region.
The United Nations peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, along with a committee of representatives from Israel, Lebanon, France, and the United States, is responsible for overseeing the ceasefire. However, UNIFIL has also reported violations from both sides, complicating the already fragile peace.
On January 4, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, adding that the group was prepared to retaliate even before the 60-day deadline for Israeli withdrawal.
“We have given an opportunity to prevent Israeli violations and to implement the agreement, and we will remain patient,” Qassem stated.
