To Prevent Long: The Israeli Army Will Continue Ground Operations in Lebanon at This Stage
On the 4th, a reporter from the Central Station learned that Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated that the principled declaration reached between Israel and the Lebanese government in Washington includes the following clear content: the disarmament of Hezbollah, the removal of Hezbollah armed personnel from the area south of the Litani River, and the Israel Defense Forces will remain in the "security zone" in southern Lebanon up to the "Blue Line." The IDF will continue to operate on the ground in Lebanon at this stage and prevent the reconstruction of Hezbollah's infrastructure.
Katz also stated that the IDF will retain operational freedom with the support of the United States, including the ability to attack Beirut and respond to any attacks against Israel.
On the 3rd, representatives from Lebanon, Israel, and the United States issued a joint statement stating that Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement a ceasefire, provided that Hezbollah completely stops its attacks and fully withdraws from the area south of the Litani River.
Representatives from Lebanon, Israel, and the United States held the fourth high-level trilateral meeting in Washington from the 2nd to the 3rd. According to the joint statement issued after the meeting, both Lebanon and Israel agreed to quickly advance the establishment of a "pilot zone." Within the "pilot zone," the Lebanese Armed Forces will exercise exclusive control over the territory, excluding all "non-state actors."
The statement said that all parties reaffirmed that the future of Lebanon-Israel relations must be decided autonomously by the governments of these two sovereign countries. There is no hostility between Lebanon and Israel, and both sides will continue direct negotiations and are committed to reaching a comprehensive agreement between the two countries. The parties also discussed a security framework, which includes the disbandment of "non-state armed groups" and preventing their resurgence.
The Israeli side reiterated in the joint statement that only by disarming Hezbollah and dismantling its infrastructure throughout Lebanon can Israel ensure its security and territorial integrity.
Lebanon reiterated the necessity of mutual respect for internationally recognized borders, the urgency of fully implementing the cessation of hostilities, and emphasized the fundamental principles of territorial integrity and complete national sovereignty. Lebanon committed to enhancing the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces to effectively exercise control across the country.
The United States emphasized in the statement that any agreement regarding the cessation of hostilities must be directly reached by the two governments under U.S. mediation and not through any other independent channels.
Additionally, both Lebanon and Israel agreed to resume political and security-level dialogue during the week of June 22 to reach a comprehensive agreement.
(Central Station Reporter Liang Hui)
Israeli Defense Forces are conducting operations in southern Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its infrastructure and to maintain a security zone until Hezbollah is disarmed. The Israeli Defense Minister emphasized the need for continued military action with U.S. support, including the possibility of strikes on Beirut. A joint statement from Lebanon, Israel, and the U.S. outlined conditions for a ceasefire, contingent on Hezbollah ceasing attacks and withdrawing from the Litani River area.
- Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated that IDF will continue operations in southern Lebanon.
- Hezbollah must be disarmed and removed from the area south of the Litani River.
- A joint statement from Lebanon, Israel, and the U.S. confirmed a ceasefire contingent on Hezbollah's actions.
- The IDF retains the right to operate freely, including potential attacks on Beirut.
- Lebanon committed to enhancing its military capabilities for effective territorial control.