New Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ruled out a ceasefire deal with Lebanon’s pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia, contradicting media reports that a pause in fighting could be imminent after more than a year.
“In Lebanon there will be no ceasefire and there will be no respite,” Katz posted on social media platform X on Tuesday, following discussions with the Israeli general staff.
Katz spoke of the “great and powerful activities” carried out by the Israeli military against Hezbollah, citing the killing of its leader Hassan Nasrallah among other things.
These provided a “picture of victory” for Israel, he said, adding that the offensive activities had to continue.
“We will continue to hit Hezbollah with full force until the goals of the war are achieved,” added Katz, who was foreign minister until a reshuffle last week.
He said Israel would only agree to a settlement if it granted Israel the right to continue combatting terrorism in Lebanon and enabled the disarmament of Hezbollah, as well as its withdrawal to the area north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometres from the border to Israel.
