Katz to UN envoy for Lebanon: Israel will show ‘zero tolerance’ for ceasefire violations

Israel will respond to any threat from Lebanon even after a ceasefire, Defense Minister Israel Katz tells Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, UN Special Envoy for Lebanon.

“We will act against any threat, anytime and anywhere,” says Katz, according to his office.

“Every house in southern Lebanon that is rebuilt and in which a terrorist base is established will be demolished, every rearming and regrouping by terrorists will be attacked, every attempt to smuggle weapons will be thwarted, and every threat to our forces or Israeli citizens will be immediately destroyed,” he says, talking tough just hours before the security cabinet is expected to approve a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel.

He also demands “effective enforcement” from UNIFIL, the international peacekeeping organization in Lebanon. According to the Israeli readout, Katz stresses that the implementation of the ceasefire must include effective enforcement and oversight, including preventing arms smuggling and domestic arms production by Hezbollah.

Katz emphasizes that Israel will show “zero tolerance” for violations of the ceasefire.

“If you don’t do it, we will,” he says, “and with great force.”