Israel Warns No Distinction Between Lebanon and Hezbollah if Ceasefire Fails

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning on Tuesday, stating that if the ceasefire agreement reached last week collapses, Israel will target Lebanon itself, no longer distinguishing between the Lebanese state and Hezbollah.

Katz emphasized that in the event of renewed conflict, Israel would use even greater force, striking deeper into Lebanese territory, and no longer differentiate between Hezbollah and Lebanon. His comments came after Israel carried out a series of airstrikes that resulted in nearly a dozen fatalities, following Hezbollah’s warning with two projectiles fired at unoccupied land.

During a visit to Israel’s northern border, Katz warned that any violation of the ceasefire would provoke an immediate and overwhelming response. He added that Israel would broaden its strikes if hostilities resume, with no immunity granted to the Lebanese state.

The ceasefire, which ended the 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah last week, was brokered by the United States and France. Under the terms, Israel is required to withdraw its forces from Lebanon within 60 days, while Hezbollah is expected to move its forces north of the Litani River. The Lebanese military and U.N. peacekeepers are tasked with patrolling the buffer zone.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel has recently carried out several strikes in response to what it claims are violations by Hezbollah. Prior to Monday’s Hezbollah attack, Israel had launched at least four airstrikes and artillery barrages in southern Lebanon, including a drone strike that killed a man on a motorcycle and another that killed a Lebanese security officer.

Lebanon has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire more than 50 times, citing airstrikes, destruction of property near the border, and overflights, including in Beirut.