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Israeli defense minister warns of retaliation against Lebanese state assets

Israeli defense minister warns of retaliation against Lebanese state assets Israel's outgoing Foreign Minister Israel Katz during the handing over ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, Nov. 10, 2024. (AFP Photo)
By Newsroom
Dec 3, 2024 4:34 PM

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Tuesday that Israel would target Lebanese state assets if the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon collapses.

This comes after Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, which resulted in at least 10 deaths, despite the cease-fire in place.

Israeli Defense Minister Katz does not shy away from making strong comments during these fragile days of the cease-fire

Israeli defense minister warns of retaliation against Lebanese state assets
BEIRUT, LEBANON – DECEMBER 01: A large portrait of Hezbollah’s former leader Hassan Nasrallah is seen hanging on a heavily damaged building as Lebanese people visit the Haret Hreik area of Dahiyeh neighborhood where Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli attack last September after the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel on December 01, 2024 in Beirut, Lebanon. ( Houssam Shbaro – Anadolu Agency )
Israeli defense minister warns of retaliation against Lebanese state assets
BEIRUT, LEBANON – DECEMBER 2: Lebanese civilians try to clean streets from debris of destroyed building after people have returned to their homes following the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel in Dahieh district of Beirut, Lebanon on December 2, 2024. ( Houssam Shbaro – Anadolu Agency )

Key developments

  • Israeli airstrikes: Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon overnight killed at least 10 people. The Israeli military stated the attacks targeted Hezbollah members and positions in southern Lebanon.
  • Hezbollah’s retaliation: In response, Hezbollah fired rockets at an Israeli site in Ruwaisat Al-Alam, located in the Kfar Shuba hills. Hezbollah described the attack as a “preliminary defensive warning” against Israel’s violations of the cease-fire.
  • Israeli defense minister’s warning: During a visit to the Lebanon-Israel border, Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated that Israel would no longer spare the Lebanese state from retaliation. “We will not allow Hezbollah to revert to its previous tactics,” he said, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to a strong response to any cease-fire violations.
  • Cease-fire agreement: The cease-fire, which took effect last week, aims to end over 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The agreement requires Israel to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon in phases, while the Lebanese army is to deploy within 60 days.
  • International oversight: The cease-fire’s implementation is overseen by the United States and France, although the exact enforcement mechanisms remain unclear.

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Impact of conflict

Since October 2023, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in nearly 4,000 deaths, over 16,500 injuries and the displacement of over 1 million people in Lebanon, according to Lebanese health authorities.

The cease-fire remains fragile, with both sides continuing military actions, raising concerns about the long-term stability of the agreement.

Last Updated:  Dec 3, 2024 4:34 PM