Israel Threatens to Target Lebanon if Ceasefire Fails
Tension is mounting in the Middle East as Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Lebanon. Referring to the ceasefire signed with Hezbollah on November 26th, Katz declared, "If the ceasefire collapses – there will not be anymore exemption to the state of Lebanon."
Katz’s statement, made during a visit to Israel’s northern border on Tuesday, represents a significant escalation in rhetoric.It signals a departure from the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) previous strategy of primarily targeting Hezbollah strongholds while avoiding attacks on other Lebanese sectors.
Following twin mortar attacks from Lebanon into the Golan Heights on Monday, the IDF responded with airstrikes.
While Hezbollah was clearly responsible for the mortar fire, there is no evidence suggesting Lebanese government involvement. Despite this, Katz’s warning threatens to widen the conflict, potentially embroiling Lebanon as a whole.
"If until now we distinguished between Lebanon and Hezbollah – this will not continue," Katz added, emphasizing the potential for broader military action.
Hezbollah, however, remains a formidable force, with tens of thousands of well-equipped fighters despite the 14-month conflict and heavy IDF bombardment.
This hardening stance from Katz contrasts with previous statements from IDF officials who have consistently maintained that their focus remains on Hezbollah, not the broader Lebanese population.
Katz’s remarks have drawn comparisons to an earlier statement where he insisted on Hezbollah’s complete disarmament as a precondition for a ceasefire, a condition not shared by the IDF.
This divergence in messaging between Katz and the IDF raises questions about potential internal disagreements on how to proceed with Lebanon, potentially impacting the fragile peace in the region.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing tensions between Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi over military promotions and strategic priorities.
The potential for expanded conflict looms large as Katz’s statement directly challenges the Lebanese state. The international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation but bracing for the possibility of a wider conflict.
