Khaberni - Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz confirmed on Tuesday that Israel plans to disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon by means of "military and diplomatic" measures.
He stated that "the strategic goal of the campaign in Lebanon is to disarm Hezbollah (...) through a combination of military actions and diplomatic measures."
A ceasefire has been in place between Hezbollah and Israel since midnight Thursday to Friday, and the Israeli Defense Minister has threatened the Lebanese government with continuing military operations if it "continues to fail to meet its commitments".
Katz said "we will act in the same manner in response to any gunfire" from Lebanese territory.
The Israeli army spokesperson warned the residents of about 80 villages in southern Lebanon not to return to them, stating that Hezbollah activities there are "ongoing" despite the ceasefire agreement.
Marked by several breaches, a new round of "direct" talks between Lebanon and Israel will take place in Washington on Thursday, about 10 days after the first round, according to an official at the US State Department.
