Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Friday that Israel's efforts to completely disarm Hezbollah in southern Lebanon have not ended.
Katz said Israel will continue to hold all of its current positions, including an area of about 10 kilometers inside southern Lebanon, along the border with Israel.
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Letter to the Reader — Why We're Asking for Your Support ContributeHe added that all houses in the area will be destroyed and Lebanese residents will not be allowed to return.
According to him, the rest of Lebanon's territory south of the Litani River must also be cleared of Hezbollah's presence, either through diplomatic solutions or through continued military operations.
Since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah on March 2, at least 2.167 Lebanese have been killed as a result of Israeli attacks.
A 10-day ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump and accepted by Lebanon and Israel was respected on Friday, raising hopes for its extension and for broader diplomatic efforts between Iran, the United States and Israel.