Khaberni - Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said his country "will not hesitate to act strongly in Lebanon again" if Hezbollah does not give up its weapons before the end of the year.
Katz added in statements to Israel's Channel 7 today, Wednesday, that Israel does not trust Hezbollah to voluntarily disarm, nor does it see any realistic chance of the party complying with the American conditions.
The Israeli Defense Minister emphasized that "military action will again become a strongly considered option" if the disarmament step is not implemented by the deadline.
In early August, the Lebanese government set a deadline until the end of this current year to implement a plan for disarming the party, prepared by the army, but the party rejected these motions and warned that they could ignite a civil war.
Katz mentioned that the United States "has obligated Hezbollah" to dismantle its missile arsenal by the end of this current year, but he expressed conviction that this commitment "will not be realized," confirming that Israel "is preparing for all scenarios."
Despite the ceasefire reached about a year ago between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel continues to carry out strikes in Lebanon, claiming they target military infrastructure and elements in the party, pledging to prevent it from rebuilding its capabilities, and maintains its forces at 5 border points which Lebanon demands withdrawal from.
