Israel Won't Withdraw From Lebanon Security Zone Until Hezbollah Disarmed, Says Defense Minister

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel will not withdraw its forces from the security zone in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout the country and the threats to residents of the Galilee are removed. Katz emphasized that controlling the Ali Taher heights represents another phase in strengthening Israeli control over the area. He added that following military operations that reached the anti-tank defense line, the capture of the Beaufort mountain range, and the positioning of the IDF on heights overlooking and protecting eastern Galilee towns, the army advanced towards Ali Taher based on intelligence indicating the presence of Hezbollah command and control tunnels.

Katz confirmed that these tunnels were cleared of militants through a complex and systematic operation. Separately, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced on Friday that it facilitated the transfer of five detainees held in Israel to Lebanon. According to the ICRC, one detainee was transferred on Thursday and the other four on Friday, in its role as a neutral intermediary. The organization stated the operation was carried out for humanitarian reasons, respecting the dignity of the individuals involved.

However, the ICRC noted that since October 2023, its representatives have not been allowed access to detainees held in Israel, including Lebanese citizens. The Red Cross reiterated the necessity of obtaining information about and access to detainees connected to the conflict, adding that it is continuing confidential dialogue with Israeli authorities to resume its visits quickly and provide answers to Lebanese families awaiting news of their relatives.