Israeli defence minister issues ultimatum to Hezbollah

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz has said that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will deliver a significant strike against the enemy if the Hezbollah movement violates the terms of the agreement and fails to adhere to the ceasefire.

Katz made these remarks during a meeting with Israeli military personnel, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“We defanged the snake, and if Hezbollah does not withdraw beyond the Litani [River] and tries to violate the ceasefire, we will crush its head,” Katz said in a statement. 

He noted that Israel will not allow Hezbollah to return its forces to villages in southern Lebanon or restore military infrastructure there. 

"Our military ensures the restoration of security in the border area, allowing displaced people to return to their houses in northern Israel," the minister added. 

The agreement between the sides came into effect at the end of November. Under the terms of the deal, the Israeli army will gradually withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory, while retaining the right to strike if it deems Hezbollah militants to pose a threat to Israel's security.

By Naila Huseynova