Israel intends to continue its military operations in southern Lebanon for the foreseeable future, and displaced Lebanese residents will not be permitted to return to their homes, according to Defence Minister Israel Katz.
Katz's remarks were made following an announcement that Lebanon and Israel had reached an agreement to implement a ceasefire during negotiations held in Washington. This proposed ceasefire is reportedly contingent upon a cessation of hostilities from the militant group Hezbollah.
In a formal statement, Minister Katz indicated that Israeli forces would remain positioned within the designated security zone in southern Lebanon, which includes the strategic Beaufort Castle, a historic fortress seized by Israel on the preceding Saturday. He asserted that Israel's objective is to continue the "dismantling of terrorist infrastructure in the area."
Furthermore, Katz stated that Israel retains "freedom of action, backed by the United States, to strike in Beirut in response to attacks on Israeli communities and territory." This suggests a significant level of U.S. support for Israeli military actions.
The agreement reached on Wednesday marks the latest attempt to establish a ceasefire. Lebanon and Israel had previously consented to a suspension of hostilities in April, which was subsequently extended through May, yet sporadic violence has persisted throughout the period.
