Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, warned the UN’s Lebanon envoy on Tuesday that any violation of a ceasefire agreement would prompt a “forceful” response from Israel. The warning came ahead of a security cabinet meeting set to vote on the proposed ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The United States, European Union, and United Nations have been advocating for an end to the escalating conflict, which has intensified into full-scale war since late September.
During a meeting in Tel Aviv with UN envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Katz emphasised Israel’s firm stance, stating, “If you do not act, we will do it, forcefully.” He reiterated that Israel would have “zero tolerance” for any threats to its security interests moving forward.
Katz also outlined Israel’s approach to addressing security threats: “Any house rebuilt in southern Lebanon and used as a terrorist base will be destroyed. Any rearming or terrorist activity will be targeted. Any attempt to transfer arms will be intercepted, and any threat to our forces or citizens will be eliminated immediately.”
The statement further criticised the previous situation, where Hezbollah was able to strengthen its military presence in southern Lebanon despite the UN’s peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL. Katz made it clear that such circumstances would no longer be acceptable.
