Jerusalem, April 21: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned Lebanon that continued violations of the ongoing ceasefire would invite a strong military response, underscoring rising tensions along the border.
Israel Maintains Hardline Position
Katz said Israel would not tolerate threats to its security and is prepared to act decisively if the ceasefire is breached. He reiterated that the country’s primary objective remains the dismantling of Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
Fragile Ceasefire Under Pressure
The warning comes amid a US-brokered 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that came into effect on April 16 to halt weeks of intense fighting and create space for negotiations.
Reports of Violations on Ground
Israeli forces have accused militants of violating the truce by approaching military positions in southern Lebanon, prompting retaliatory action and raising concerns over the stability of the agreement.
Tensions Over Military Presence
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli troops have remained deployed inside parts of southern Lebanon, establishing a security zone to prevent cross-border attacks—an issue that has drawn criticism from Lebanese leaders.
Uncertain Path Ahead
With both sides trading accusations and maintaining military readiness, the ceasefire remains fragile. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but the situation continues to pose a risk of renewed escalation in the region.