Defense Minister Israel Katz visited IDF positions in southern Lebanon and threatened the Hezbollah terror group over its attempts to send drones into Israel despite the ceasefire deal, according to his office.
The statement says Katz toured the positions with senior IDF commanders today to monitor the implementation of the extension of the truce, which was supposed to see the IDF and Hezbollah vacate southern Lebanon by January 26 but has been extended until February 18. Israel said the Lebanese army wasn’t deploying quickly enough and Hezbollah was maintaining a presence in the area.
“In recent days we have seen attempts to launch drones at Israel,” Katz says. “I want to send a clear message from here to Hezbollah and the Lebanese government: Israel won’t agree to drones being launched from Lebanon. We won’t allow a return to the reality of October 7 [2023]. We will foil threats and respond with full force.
“Either there won’t be drones, or there won’t be Hezbollah. I suggest that the successor to the successor of [slain Hezbollah leader Hassan] Nasrallah not underestimate Israel’s determination as his predecessors did, lest he pay a very heavy price.”
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From the Liveblog of
Sunday, February 2, 2025
