Netanyahu: Israel ‘will respond with force’ to any Hezbollah violation of ceasefire

Speaking after meeting with his security cabinet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that he will bring the “proposal for a ceasefire in Lebanon” for final approval before the full cabinet, and that “the duration of the ceasefire will depend on what takes place in Lebanon.”

He says that “with the full understanding with the US, we are maintaining full freedom of action” against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

“If Hezbollah violates the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he promises. “If it tries to rebuild the terror infrastructure near the border, we will attack. If it fires a rocket, if it digs a tunnel, if it brings in a truck with missiles, we will attack.”

“To every violation, we will respond with force,” Netanyahu pledges.

“A good deal is one that is enforced, and we will enforce it.”

He hits out at many critics who argue that Israel won’t be able to start fighting again after a ceasefire, saying they said the same thing ahead of the weeklong hostage-for-ceasefire deal in Gaza last year. “After all this, maybe it’s time to start believing. Believing in our determination, in our way, in our dedication to victory.”

Netanyahu says there are three reasons for accepting the ceasefire now. “The first is to focus on the Iranian threat, and I won’t elaborate,” he says.

The second is to allow troops to rest and to replenish weapon stores.

“There were delays, and big delays, in weapons shipments,” he says, without mentioning the Biden administration. “And that delay will soon be released,” he says, hinting at Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

The third reason, he says, is to delink the northern and southern fronts and isolate Hamas. “With Hezbollah out of the picture, Hamas is left alone in the campaign,” he says, and will be under greater pressure. “That will help in the sacred mission of freeing our hostages.”