Katz: No agreement with Hezbollah until war aims are met

Newly minted Defense Minister Israel Katz met today (Monday) with members of the IDF General Staff, headed by IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, where he laid out his vision regarding the different fronts.

Speaking before the forum, Katz said that the government considers the Iranian nuclear threat to be the highest priority, echoing a statement by new Foreign Minister Gideon Saar today. He also said that preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon is achievable not only militarily but also diplomatically.

Regarding the northern front and Lebanon, Katz said "there will be no cease-fire and no letup. We will continue to strike Hezbollah in full force until achieving all the war aims. Israel will not agree to any settlement which will not ensure the right of Israel to enforce and prevent terrorism itself. And meeting the war aims in Lebanon, disarming Hezbollah, and driving them back from the Litani River and returning the residents of the north to their homes."

Regarding Gaza, Katz said that freeing the hostages remains the "highest moral goal" of the defense establishment and that "we will do everything to bring them home and ensure the defeat of Hamas."