Israeli Defense Minister: IDF maintains 10km security zone in Lebanon, over 1,700 Hezbollah fighters killed

Defense Minister Israel Katz states the IDF will continue holding all cleared areas in Lebanon during the ten-day cease-fire. He reports over 1,700 terrorists eliminated—more than double the Second Lebanon War toll—and establishment of a security zone reaching 10 kilometers deep from the border to the coast and Mount Hermon area. The zone has been cleared of terrorists, weapons, and civilians, with ongoing demolition of houses in Lebanese border villages that served as terrorist outposts. Katz emphasizes the goal of Hezbollah disarmament through military or diplomatic means remains unchanged, with U.S. presidential involvement providing diplomatic leverage. A buffer area between the security zone and Litani River remains under fire control but not yet cleared.