Khaberni - Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Yehiel Laiter, stated that his country will continue to adhere to the ceasefire on the Lebanese front as long as Hezbollah complies with the agreement, emphasizing at the same time that Israel reserves the right to respond to any attack or security threat.
Laiter said that Israel "will maintain the ceasefire if Hezbollah does not violate the agreement," adding that Tel Aviv will remain committed to the calm but will not relinquish its right to act against any detected threat. He also stressed that Israel "will respond to any attack and will thwart any threat" targeting its security, according to "Jewish Insider".
The Israeli ambassador's statements come at a time when American efforts to cement the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon continue, which was reached during tripartite talks sponsored by Washington.
The calm is conditional
At the beginning of June, the United States, Israel, and Lebanon announced the reach of an understanding that stipulates implementing a ceasefire, provided that there is a complete halt of Hezbollah's fire and the withdrawal of its elements from the area south of the Litani River, in exchange for reciprocal security steps under American supervision.
In previous statements, Laiter emphasized that Israel is working with the United States and Lebanon to permanently push Hezbollah away from the border areas, considering that any return to threats will be met with an Israeli response. He also emphasized the understanding with Washington regarding Israel’s right to defend itself against any potential attacks.
These positions come while the truce still faces repeated field tests, amid exchanges of accusations regarding sporadic breaches and ongoing disputes about the Israeli military presence in some areas of southern Lebanon. Israel also insists on its position that it is not bound by any arrangements that might limit its ability to act against Hezbollah if it perceives a direct threat to its security.
