Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz accused Hezbollah on Sunday of failing to adhere to ceasefire terms and warned that Israel might take action if violations persist.
Katz criticised Hezbollah for not withdrawing its forces north of the Litani River, as stipulated in the November 27 ceasefire agreement, following two months of intense conflict.
“If this condition is not met, there will be no agreement, and Israel will act independently to ensure the safety of its northern residents,” Katz stated after visiting the military’s northern command.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem accused Israel of violating the truce on Saturday, asserting the group’s readiness to respond before the 60-day deadline for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
The ceasefire terms require the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers to secure the south while Hezbollah dismantles military infrastructure. However, both sides have traded accusations of breaches, with the UN peacekeeping force repeatedly criticising Israeli violations.
Katz reiterated that Israel would not tolerate renewed threats to its northern communities, emphasising the need for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement.