Defense Minister Israel Katz in an address on the border Sunday (video clip)

Israeli Defense Minister Katz Warns Hezbollah: ‘Zero Tolerance’ Policy

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The Judean Staff
National

In a powerful display of leadership and resolve, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz visited Israel Defense Forces (IDF) posts in Lebanon today (Sunday), accompanied by the esteemed commander of the 146th Brigade, Major General Yiftah Norkin. Katz’s visit, amid the heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, underscored Israel’s unwavering commitment to national security and its unyielding stance against Hezbollah aggression.

During his visit, Minister Katz convened a high-level strategic assessment with General Norkin and other top IDF commanders. The discussions revolved around the continued implementation of the ceasefire extension agreement and, more importantly, the IDF’s rigorous enforcement of Israel’s 'zero tolerance' policy toward Hezbollah’s repeated violations.

A Message of Strength and Determination

Speaking with frontline commanders and soldiers, Katz expressed deep appreciation for their bravery and resilience in defending northern Israel’s communities against the ongoing threats posed by Hezbollah. He delivered a stark warning to the Iran-backed terror organization and the Lebanese government, making it unequivocally clear that Israel would not hesitate to act decisively against any aggression originating from Lebanon.

“In recent days, we have seen attempts to launch UAVs toward Israel. I want to send a clear and unmistakable message to Hezbollah and the Lebanese government: Israel will not tolerate UAV launches from Lebanon,” Katz declared, his words resonating with firm authority.“We will not allow a return to the horrors of October 7. We will eliminate threats with full force. Either there will be no UAVs, or there will be no Hezbollah. I advise Nasrallah’s successor not to misinterpret Israel’s determination, as his predecessors did—lest he pay an unbearably heavy price.”Hezbollah’s Continued Provocations Met with IDF Retaliation."

Despite the agreed-upon ceasefire, Hezbollah has continued its provocations, attempting to launch drones at Israeli territory. Just days ago, on Thursday, the IDF intercepted and shot down a Hezbollah-operated UAV—the first such violation since the ceasefire took effect. In immediate retaliation, Israeli fighter jets unleashed precision airstrikes on Hezbollah military installations in eastern Lebanon, sending an unmistakable message that violations will not be tolerated.

Israel has repeatedly accused Hezbollah of failing to comply with the ceasefire terms established in November, which mandated a mutual withdrawal of forces from southern Lebanon by January 26. However, due to Hezbollah’s refusal to vacate the area and the Lebanese army’s sluggish deployment to replace them, Israel has extended its own operational presence in the region until at least February 18.

Eliminating Hezbollah’s Leadership: A Tactical Masterstroke

Since the escalation of hostilities, Israel has methodically targeted and eliminated key Hezbollah figures. In a strategic airstrike last September, Israel successfully neutralized Hezbollah’s long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah. Just a week later, Hashem Safieddine, widely seen as Nasrallah’s likely successor, met the same fate. The terrorist group is now under the command of Naim Qassem, who is scheduled to address Hezbollah supporters later this evening—likely in a desperate attempt to project strength in the face of continued Israeli pressure.

Tensions Along the Border

Meanwhile, Lebanese media have reported new incidents along the border, including claims that the Israeli Navy detained a fisherman off the coast of Naqoura in southern Lebanon and allegations that Israeli forces opened fire on civilians attempting to return to the border village of Yaroun. The IDF has not issued an official response to these claims but has consistently warned Lebanese civilians against returning to villages in south Lebanon due to ongoing hostilities and Hezbollah’s entrenched military positions.

Hezbollah’s Unprovoked War Against Israel

It is crucial to remember that Hezbollah initiated its latest campaign of aggression against Israel on October 8, 2023—just one day after Hamas-led terrorists committed the worst massacre in Israeli history, slaughtering 1,200 innocent people and kidnapping 251 hostages. Hezbollah, acting in coordination with Hamas, launched relentless rocket and drone attacks on Israel’s northern communities, forcing tens of thousands of Israelis to evacuate their homes.

After enduring almost a year of relentless Hezbollah provocations, Israel launched a major air campaign in September 2024, followed by a carefully executed ground offensive in October. The objectives were clear: to dismantle Hezbollah’s command structure, push its forces northward, and obliterate its well-fortified terrorist infrastructure in border villages that had been meticulously prepared for a potential invasion of Israel.

A Warning to Hezbollah: Israel Will Not Hesitate

With tensions still simmering, Israel remains steadfast in its mission to protect its citizens and sovereignty. As Minister Katz made abundantly clear, any further provocations from Hezbollah will be met with overwhelming and decisive force. The days of unchecked Hezbollah aggression are over, and Israel’s military superiority ensures that any threat will be neutralized swiftly and effectively.

As the IDF stands vigilant, poised to respond at a moment’s notice, Hezbollah and its allies would do well to heed Katz’s warning: Israel will not permit a return to the threats of the past. Either Hezbollah ceases its hostilities—or it ceases to exist.

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