Israeli Army Threatens to Continue Striking Hezbollah in Lebanon
[Global Times Special Correspondent Wang Yi] According to Israel's "Newspaper of News," on the 21st local time, Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated at a national memorial event that the primary goal of Israel's military operations in Lebanon is to disarm Hezbollah and eliminate the threats faced by northern Israel through a combination of military and diplomatic means.
Katz warned the Lebanese government that if it fails to fulfill its commitments, "the Israeli military will continue to take military action." Katz stated that he and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu have instructed the military to continue "full-scale operations on the ground and in the air," including during the ceasefire, to protect Israeli forces and eliminate threats. The "Newspaper of News" mentioned that Katz also threatened to carry out a "decapitation" of Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem.
Turkey's "New Dawn" reported on the 22nd that Katz's remarks indicate that regardless of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, Israel will maintain a long-term military presence in Lebanon, raising serious doubts about whether Israel is genuinely committed to de-escalating the situation. Furthermore, Katz's stance suggests that Israel's territorial ambitions may extend beyond the established scope of the current conflict.
According to reports, on the 17th local time, Lebanon and Israel reached a 10-day ceasefire agreement. On the day Katz spoke, the Israeli military and Hezbollah accused each other of violating the agreement. According to the "Israel Times," the Israeli military stated that Hezbollah fired several rockets at the Israeli forces stationed in southern Lebanon and launched a drone towards Israel. The Lebanese Hezbollah-affiliated Lighthouse TV reported that Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack and stated that the strike was a response to Israeli attacks on Lebanese civilians and the destruction of homes, which violated the ceasefire agreement.
According to a report by Turkey's Anadolu Agency on the 21st, Lebanese Prime Minister Salam stated during a joint press conference with French President Macron that Lebanon demands the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, and the Lebanese government will continue dialogue with Israel to end the conflict. Macron stated that Israel must abandon its territorial ambitions towards Lebanon, and if Israel continues to pursue its Middle Eastern policy, it would be "reasonable" to discuss suspending the EU-Israel association agreement. According to CNN, the second round of talks between Israel and Lebanon will be held on the 23rd of this month at the U.S. State Department.
Israeli Defense Minister Katz announced ongoing military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, emphasizing the need to neutralize their armed capabilities. On October 21, he warned that Israel would continue military actions if Lebanon fails to meet its commitments. Hezbollah retaliated by launching rockets and a drone at Israeli forces, claiming it was in response to Israeli attacks on civilians. A ceasefire agreement was reached, but both sides accuse each other of violations.
- Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated the primary goal is to neutralize Hezbollah's armed capabilities.
- Katz warned the Lebanese government of continued military action if commitments are not met.
- Hezbollah launched rockets and a drone at Israeli forces, claiming it was a response to Israeli attacks on civilians.
- A 10-day ceasefire agreement was reached between Lebanon and Israel, but both sides accuse each other of violations.
- Lebanese Prime Minister Salam called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.