IDF Chief Issues Stern Warning on Lebanon Ceasefire Violations
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi warned Thursday that Israel will respond with force to any violations of the recent ceasefire agreement on the Lebanon border, emphasizing the military's commitment to protecting northern residents.
"We will enforce this with fire, and we will enforce it very strongly," Halevi declared during a meeting with the IDF General Staff Forum. He stressed that the agreement came after months of intense operations that successfully eliminated Hezbollah's senior leadership, including commander Jawad al-Tawil in early January.
Halevi noted that Hezbollah entered the ceasefire agreement "from a position of weakness and having no choice," following sustained Israeli military pressure. His comments highlighted Israel's determination to maintain strict enforcement of the agreement's terms to enable the return of Israeli citizens to northern communities.
The IDF demonstrated this commitment Thursday, conducting an airstrike against two Hezbollah operatives who approached a known launch site in southern Lebanon. The military said the site had been used for dozens of attacks against Israel in recent weeks. Additional operations were carried out to push Hezbollah forces away from the border area.
"The residents in the north are watching us now," Halevi said. "They need to see our determination in enforcing this agreement so they can return home. This is our fundamental duty to them."
The developments come as Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz sought British support in preventing Hezbollah from rearming, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain regional stability.
