Avigdor Liberman in a video address on January 2nd (video clip)

Liberman Demands Buffer Zone to Counter Hezbollah Threat in Northern Israel

Details
The Judean Staff
Politics

In a bold and impassioned statement from the northern Israeli city of Metula, Yisrael Beitenu chairman Avigdor Liberman issued a stark warning about the escalating threats posed by Hezbollah and the inadequacy of current policies. Following a comprehensive tour of the region, Liberman called for the establishment of a robust buffer zone in southern Lebanon, asserting that "any other step is merely a Band-Aid on a bleeding wound."

The Ceasefire's Fragile Reality

Criticizing the ceasefire agreement currently in place, Liberman minced no words: "The residents of northern Israel are in grave danger." He elaborated that the Lebanese army lacks both the capacity and the will to assert control over the volatile area between the Litani River and Israel's border. "They are doing nothing to disarm Hezbollah," he declared, painting a grim picture of a strengthened adversary.

"Hezbollah is regrouping and entrenching itself," Liberman continued. "They are restoring forces along the contact line, manufacturing missiles deep within Lebanon, and orchestrating a relentless flow of smuggled weaponry. This is not a temporary setback; it is a growing menace."

A Call to Action: The Buffer Zone Solution

Liberman proposed a decisive solution: a security buffer zone in southern Lebanon to halt Hezbollah's military activities. "Only a buffer zone can prevent the devastating anti-tank fire and the creation of terror tunnels," he argued. "Hezbollah is not just planning for the future; they are actively preparing to escalate their threats against Israeli citizens. Without immediate action, the people of Israel will continue to live under a perpetual shadow of danger."

Emphasizing the urgency of the matter, Liberman concluded, "The time for endless dialogue is over. The time for action is now."

Defense Minister Israel Katz Echoes Liberman's Concerns

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz backed up Liberman's dire warnings with a firm stance on Hezbollahโ€™s obligations under the ceasefire agreement. Speaking on Sunday, Katz declared, "If Hezbollah does not retreat beyond the Litani River, there will be no agreement." Katz reaffirmed Israel's commitment to enforcing the truce but stressed that its success hinges on Hezbollah's complete withdrawal, the dismantling of their weaponry, and the eradication of terrorist infrastructure by the Lebanese army.

"This has not yet happened," Katz said pointedly, "and until it does, Israel will act decisively to ensure the safety of its citizens."

Hezbollah Defiant: A Growing Threat

Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem poured fuel on the fire with provocative remarks. Speaking on Saturday, he claimed the group would decide its next move regarding the ceasefire. "Our patience might run out," Qassem warned, "and when we decide to act, you will see it immediately."

The situation remains tense, with tit-for-tat strikes escalating tensions. Israeli operations in southern Lebanon have continued unabated, while Hezbollah has launched retaliatory attacks, citing supposed Israeli violations of the truce.

Northern Israel in the Crosshairs

As tensions along the border intensify, northern Israel remains on high alert. Residents live under the constant specter of Hezbollah's growing arsenal and the looming threat of a renewed conflict. Liberman's call for a buffer zone underscores the urgency of implementing robust, long-term security measures to protect Israel's borders and citizens.

The time for half-measures has passed. Israelโ€™s leaders face a pivotal decision: confront Hezbollahโ€™s growing strength head-on or risk a future where the safety of its people is perpetually at stake.

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