Israel's Defense Minister Warns Hezbollah of Expanded Security Zone
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hezbollah during a visit to Lebanon that an attack on Israel alongside Iran would result in the IDF expanding Israel's security zone into southern Lebanon. The response would include evacuating civilians and targeting terror infrastructure in Beirut's Dahieh district. Katz stated that the IDF is prepared for such a maneuver, which could displace over a million Shiites. He also threatened Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Na'im Qassem.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hezbollah of expanded IDF control in southern Lebanon if they join Iran in an attack.
- The IDF response would include evacuating Lebanese Shiite populations and targeting Beirut's Dahieh district.
- Katz stated that over a million Shiites could be displaced in Lebanon under such a scenario.
- The Defense Minister praised soldiers for operations against Hezbollah and reiterated Israel's commitment to its security zones.
- Katz threatened Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Na'im Qassem with elimination.
Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning during a visit to Lebanon on Wednesday, stating that if Hezbollah joins Iran in an attack on Israel, the IDF will expand Israel's security zone by taking control of additional territories in southern Lebanon. Katz clarified that such a response would also involve the evacuation of civilian populations and attacks on terror infrastructure in Beirut's Dahieh district.
During his visit to the front line near Lebanese villages, accompanied by senior military officials including the General the Northern Command and the General 91, Brig. Gen. Yuval Gaze, Katz received a briefing on Operation "Silver Plow," aimed at destroying terror infrastructure in the area. He praised the commanders and soldiers for their operations against Hezbollah.
"If Hezbollah joins Iran in an attack on Israel, it will be dealt a severe blow and lose additional territories in southern Lebanon in the Nabatieh and Litani areas, which will become part of Israel's permanent security zone," the Defense Minister declared. "The IDF is prepared to carry out the maneuver."
Katz further explained that in such a scenario, the Shiite population would be evacuated northward to the Awali and Zahrani rivers, to enable strikes on terror infrastructure and to move the drone threat away from northern Israeli communities. He added that the Dahieh district would also be evacuated and its terror infrastructure targeted, potentially displacing over a million Shiites in Lebanon.
The Defense Minister also directed threats towards Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and his deputy, Na'im Qassem, stating, "Nasrallah destroyed the Shiite community in Lebanon until he was eliminated, and Na'im Qassem could completely destroy it until he too is eliminated." Katz reiterated that Israel would not withdraw from its security zones in Lebanon and Syria, emphasizing that IDF forces operate to defend the residents of the Galilee and the Golan Heights.
Mentioned
