Official statements from the Israeli government or verified reports from international news agencies

Israel Threatens Action if Hezbollah Does Not Withdraw to Litani River

Jan 5, 2025, 10:26 AM

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that if Hezbollah does not withdraw from Southern Lebanon, there will be no agreement, and Israel will be forced to take action. Katz emphasized that Israel is committed to enforcing the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon without compromise. He stated that the first condition for the ceasefire agreement, established on November 27 following a two-month conflict, is the complete withdrawal of Hezbollah to north of the Litani River, the full disarmament, and the destruction of the group's infrastructure in the region by the Lebanese army, conditions which have not yet been met. Katz's remarks come amid ongoing accusations from both sides of violating the ceasefire, with Israel aiming to ensure the safe return of its northern residents to their homes.