Israeli Defense Minister Vows No Withdrawal from South Lebanon Until Hezbollah Disarms

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared in a briefing with military reporters that Israel will not withdraw from southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is fully disarmed. Katz emphasized that Israel holds no territorial ambitions but will not retreat even a millimeter until the key objective of demilitarizing the Litani River area is achieved. He described the situation as a long-term presence in Lebanon.

Katz detailed the extensive destruction in the contact line villages, with nearly 100% devastation in the western and central sectors and 73% in the eastern sector. He noted that approximately 1.3 million Shia residents have evacuated from the Dahieh area of Beirut and southern Lebanese villages, relocating to Druze and Christian neighborhoods.

Due to strategic partnerships with the United States and the interconnected conflict arenas, Israel has shifted to a "Plan B," which involves expanding the buffer zone south of the Blue Line and continuing to destroy Hezbollah’s underground infrastructure. Katz stated that the Shia villages along the contact line were targeted for elimination during Operation "Silver Plow," and significant tunnel destruction has taken place, including recent blasts in Majdal Zun.

Regarding military operations, Katz mentioned ongoing efforts to destroy tunnels in the Beaufort ridge area using 500 tons of explosives. While the IDF captured the Ali Taher ridge due to tunnel threats, there is no plan to seize Nabatiyeh as it would require mobilizing entire divisions. Katz stressed that without the connection between Lebanon and Iran, Hezbollah would collapse. The ultimate goal remains to clear the entire Litani area of Hezbollah operatives and weapons.

On the front with Iran, Katz stated Israel’s clear stance: any missile attacks from Iran will be met with a strong response. He added that renewed conflict with Iran could arise from decisions by U.S. President Donald Trump or missile launches. The IDF is prepared for Operation "Blue and White" with targets ready in Iran but will not interfere with Trump’s diplomatic efforts toward Tehran.