Israeli Defense Minister Katz Suggests US-Iran-Lebanon Link Saved Hezbollah From Collapse
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed in a conversation with military reporters that the strategic linkage created by former US President Donald Trump between the Iranian and Lebanese theaters altered Israel's operational freedom in Lebanon and prevented Hezbollah's collapse. Katz explained that before this connection, Israel was actively targeting buildings in Beirut, but after Trump linked Iran and Lebanon, these actions ceased. He described this linkage as an American interest and a constraint of Israel's partnership with the US, stating, "If there was no connection between Lebanon and Iran, Hezbollah would have collapsed."
Katz recounted that prior to the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump had four phone conversations, but the decisive change occurred during a fifth call in which Katz did not participate. He said, "In the fifth call, the president applied pressure that resulted in the linkage between the theaters." Following this, residents returned to southern Lebanon and Hezbollah reinforced its presence there.
Politically, Katz's remarks imply that American pressure halted an Israeli move that might have led to Hezbollah's downfall, while also hinting at Netanyahu's inability to prevent Trump's shift in stance during Katz's absence. Katz emphasized that Israel does not intend to withdraw from more areas in Lebanon beyond the two pilot zones already designated, stating, "People should not hold their breath about where Israel will next withdraw in Lebanon, because it will not happen until Hezbollah disarms. We have no territorial ambitions in Lebanon, but we will not retreat a millimeter until Hezbollah is disarmed."
Regarding the Lebanese army's entry into the pilot zones, Katz expressed skepticism about any dramatic change, saying, "I do not live in illusions; Lebanese soldiers will not suddenly become lions charging Hezbollah." He noted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) presence in Lebanon will be long-term and that Israel had attempted to have the Lebanese army clear the Ali Taher ridge of militants, but the Lebanese army refused.
Katz also discussed his recent meeting with US Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper, where they agreed that the IDF would not withdraw from the three security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. On the "Silver Plow" operation to destroy villages in southern Lebanon, Katz stated it was clear that Shiite villages along the contact line needed to disappear, with near-total destruction in the western and central sectors and 73% destruction in the eastern sector. He claimed that 700,000 Shiites evacuated from Beirut's Dahieh area and another 600,000 from southern Lebanese villages.
Katz mentioned that the IDF still has tunnels to destroy, including those in the Bofor ridge, where 500 tons of explosives will be used, similar to a recent blast in Majdal Zun. He said the IDF captured the Ali Taher ridge due to tunnel threats but has no plans to capture Nabatiyeh, as that would require mobilizing entire divisions. The goal remains to disarm Hezbollah across the Litani area.
On the Iranian front, Katz warned that fighting could resume either by President Trump's decision or Iranian missile fire, possibly within days. He said the IDF is prepared to act independently in Iran under "Operation Blue and White," with targets ready and forces alert, but stressed that Israel will not interfere with the US president's approach toward Iran.
