DM Katz: 'Israel's goal in Lebanon is to disarm Hezbollah'

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz held a situation assessment Friday with senior military and defense officials, reiterating that the country’s policy in Lebanon remains focused on disarming Hezbollah by military and political means. Katz emphasized that the goal applies “regardless of the Iran issue” and pledged continued protection for Israeli northern communities.

Katz said the Israel Defense Forces are completing ground maneuvers up to the anti-tank line to prevent direct threats to border towns. He outlined plans to demolish houses in villages near the border that serve as Hezbollah outposts, citing previous operations in Rafah and Khan Yunis in Gaza as models.

The Defense Minister added that the IDF will maintain security control over the Litani area and that the return of 600,000 residents of southern Lebanon who had evacuated north will not be permitted until northern communities’ safety is ensured. Katz also reaffirmed that the IDF will continue targeting Hezbollah leaders and operatives across Lebanon, noting that 1,000 terrorists have already been eliminated since the start of the current campaign.

“We promised security to the northern towns, and that is exactly what we will do,” Katz said. He further warned that the IDF will act decisively against rocket fire from Lebanon, stating that Hezbollah “will pay heavy prices.”

Earlier on Friday, a military official described the current ground offensive’s goal of fully disarming Hezbollah as unrealistic. In response, the IDF clarified that, as previously stated by the Chief of Staff, the long-term objective of disarming Hezbollah remains a commitment and encompasses a broad range of ongoing efforts.

The assessment included Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Director General of the Ministry of Defense Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, Head of the Defense Intelligence Agency Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen, Deputy Director General Brig. Gen. Guy Marchisano, and other senior defense officials.