IDF Chief and Defense Minister Vow Strong Response to Threats from Iran and Lebanon

Israel's Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, declared on Thursday during a graduation ceremony for a pilot course that Israel is closely monitoring developments in Iran and Lebanon and is prepared to respond immediately. Zamir emphasized that Israel will respond forcefully to any attempts to harm the country.

Defense Minister Israel Katz also addressed the situation regarding Lebanon at the same event. Katz stated that Israel did not seek permission from any party to enter Lebanon and does not require approval to remain there. He asserted that it is Israel's right and duty to protect the residents of the Galilee and Israeli citizens against threats from the jihadist terrorist organization Hezbollah, which aims to destroy Israel.

Katz further affirmed that, as he and the Chief of Staff have made clear, Israel will continue to maintain its presence in the security zone in Lebanon and operate from there as necessary until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon and the threat to northern Israel is eliminated.