Israeli Defense Minister: ‘Hezbollah Must Withdraw Beyond Litani River’
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Newly appointed Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Wednesday that Israel would reject any ceasefire agreement that does not require Hezbollah to withdraw beyond the Litani River, amid reports that a deal may be close.
“We will not agree to just any cease-fires, we will not take our foot off the gas, and we will not accept any agreement that does not include the achievement of the war goals,” Katz said on Wednesday.
Katz outlined Israel’s conditions for a potential deal, stating that it includes “the disarmament of Hezbollah, its withdrawal beyond the Litani [River], and creating the conditions for the residents of the north to return to their homes in safety.”
Katz further emphasized that any agreement must grant Israel the right to “enforce” the terms and to “act against any terrorist activity and organization,” he explained.
Several media outlets reported that Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday to discuss the terms of a potential deal. France, also involved in the mediation efforts, addressed Israel’s security concerns during a visit by its Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, to the Jewish state last week.
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