Israeli FM: No ceasefire and no respite in Lebanon

Israel's new Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has reiterated that the fighting against Hezbollah will continue until the full objectives of the war are achieved. 

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Katz confirmed Israel’s firm stance on the situation in Lebanon, underscoring that there will be no ceasefire or pause in operations, Caliber.Az reports.

בהמשך פגישתי אתמול עם פורום מטכ"ל הדגשתי את מדיניות ישראל לגבי לבנון:

הפעילות המזהירה והעוצמתית שבוצעה ע"י צה"ל וגופי הביטחון מול החיזבאללה וחיסול נסראללה מהווים תמונת ניצחון וצריך להמשיך את הפעילות ההתקפית, כדי להוסיף ולגרוע את יכולות החיזבאללה ולממש את פירות הניצחון.

בלבנון… pic.twitter.com/ALTCOqD3IG

— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) November 12, 2024

"Yesterday I met with the Defence General Forum and stressed Israel's policy towards Lebanon," Katz stated. "The preventive and powerful actions carried out by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and security services against Hezbollah, and the removal of Nasrallah, represent the picture of victory. Offensive actions must continue in order to increase the damage, weaken Hezbollah, and obtain the fruits of victory."

Katz made it clear that there would be no break in Israel’s military operations: "There will be no ceasefire and there will be no respite in Lebanon. We will continue to strike Hezbollah with all our strength until the objectives of the war are achieved." He further emphasized that Israel would not agree to any agreement that did not guarantee Israel's right to control the situation and prevent terror attacks. The main goal, he stated, is to disarm Hezbollah and push the group back beyond the Litani River, ensuring the safety of the people of northern Israel and allowing them to return to their homes.

In addition to addressing the conflict with Hezbollah, Katz also highlighted the increasing vulnerability of Iranian nuclear facilities, which he views as a critical threat to Israel’s security. At a meeting with Israeli Army Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi and senior Israeli generals, Katz pointed out that Iran's nuclear capabilities are now more susceptible to attack than ever before. "One of the main challenges is Iran," he said. "Iran is now more vulnerable than ever to damage to its nuclear facilities. There is an opportunity now to achieve the most important objective — to eliminate the threat of the destruction of the State of Israel by preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons."

Katz also expressed confidence in Israel's ability to thwart the Iranian nuclear threat, noting that there is widespread national consensus on this issue. "There is also an understanding that preventing a nuclear threat to Israel from Iran is feasible," he said, adding that this topic enjoys broad support within Israel.

Israel Katz, who was appointed Defence Minister on November 5, 2024, by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is no stranger to leadership roles. Prior to becoming Defence Minister, Katz served as Israel's Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, and Minister of Transport and Road Safety, as well as heading the Intelligence Ministry from 2015 to 2020. His tenure in Netanyahu’s cabinet saw him take on various high-profile roles, including overseeing national infrastructure, energy, and water as the Minister for National Infrastructure, Energy, and Water.

In a notable diplomatic move in October 2024, Katz declared UN Secretary-General António Guterres persona non grata and banned him from entering Israel. This decision followed Guterres’ failure to condemn an Iranian missile attack on Israel that occurred earlier that month.

By Tamilla Hasanova