Israel warns Lebanon of consequences if ceasefire with Hezbollah collapses

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning on Tuesday during a visit to Israel’s northern border, stating that if the ceasefire with Hezbollah collapses, Israel will hold Lebanon fully accountable for any aggression. “There will no longer be an exemption for the state of Lebanon,” Katz emphasized, signaling a major shift in Israel’s approach to conflicts with the Iran-backed terror group.

The ceasefire agreement, which followed weeks of cross-border hostilities, is under strain after Hezbollah launched rockets at Mount Dov on Monday. This marked the first major violation since the truce began. Katz responded by demanding that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) enforce the agreement by dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure and keeping the terror group north of the Litani River, as stipulated under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

“If the agreement collapses and we return to war, we will act strongly and go deeper,” Katz said. “They need to understand that there will no longer be a distinction between Hezbollah and the Lebanese state.” He specifically mentioned Beirut’s Dahiyeh district, a known Hezbollah stronghold, as an example of areas that Israel has previously targeted and could strike again.

The stakes are high for both countries. Under the ceasefire terms, Hezbollah is required to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon while the LAF takes control of the area, with oversight from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). However, the fragile agreement faces challenges, with Hezbollah leaders threatening further attacks to prevent displaced Israelis from returning to their northern homes.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, IDF Spokesperson, also warned Iran not to exploit Syria’s instability to funnel weapons to Hezbollah. “We will make sure that Iran does not smuggle weapons to Lebanon and Hezbollah,” he stated. Israel has repeatedly targeted weapon shipments in Syria, aiming to prevent advanced arms from reaching the terror group.

The escalating tensions come against the backdrop of the October 7 Hamas attacks on southern Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and resulted in 252 hostages being taken. Hezbollah’s attacks on northern Israel intensified shortly afterward, displacing over 68,000 residents.

As Katz made clear, any further breakdown in the ceasefire would escalate into a broader conflict with Lebanon itself. This approach aims to pressure the Lebanese government to curb Hezbollah’s activities and uphold its commitments under international agreements.

Israel remains resolute in defending its borders and ensuring the safety of its citizens. Share this story or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on Israel’s security developments and regional challenges.