Defense Minister Israel Katz said the IDF will remain in Lebanon’s security buffer zone, from the coast to the Beaufort heights, to protect northern Israeli communities, thwart threats and destroy terror infrastructure above and below ground. In a post on X, he said the military would respond forcefully to any Hezbollah violation of the ceasefire and warned, “We will not allow harm to our soldiers and civilians.”
Katz’s remarks came after the army reported heavy strikes in southern Lebanon. According to the statement, the IDF hit more than 80 targets and killed dozens of militants in Hezbollah strongholds in the Beqaa and the Nabatieh area, in response to fire and damage to IDF troops. The army said its operations were still continuing at the time of the post.
He also addressed the deaths of four soldiers announced on Sunday morning. Katz named Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Shimon, commander of the 52nd Battalion, and said three additional fighters were killed in combat in southern Lebanon, but their names had not yet been cleared for publication. He described Ben Shimon as “an courageous, determined and devoted commander” who served in senior roles in the northern sector throughout the campaign and led his soldiers from the front.
Katz said the losses were “a heavy loss for the IDF, the security establishment and the entire State of Israel.” He sent condolences to the families of the fallen and said he was strengthening the wounded and their comrades who are continuing the mission.
