Israel’s Defence Minister has said that the country’s military campaign against Hezbollah is “still not complete,” even as a recently announced 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon came into effect, highlighting continued uncertainty over the fragile truce.
Defence Minister Israel Katz made the remarks in a broadcast statement shortly after the ceasefire began at midnight, warning that while Israeli operations had achieved significant gains, further action would be required to fully address remaining threats. He indicated that areas in southern Lebanon still contained Hezbollah militants and military infrastructure that Israel considers active targets.
Katz stated that the region between Israel’s designated security zone and the Litani River had not yet been fully cleared, adding that the objective of removing what Israel describes as “terrorist presence and weapons” could still be pursued through either diplomatic arrangements or renewed military activity if the ceasefire collapses. His comments underscored Israel’s position that the truce does not signal an end to operational objectives.
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The defence minister also cautioned that any resumption of fighting could force civilians who are returning to southern Israel’s evacuated border communities to leave again. Thousands of displaced residents have begun cautiously returning to areas affected by the conflict following the start of the ceasefire, even as security concerns remain.
According to details of the agreement released by the US State Department, Israel retains the right to act against Hezbollah in cases involving imminent or ongoing threats. Israel has also indicated it will maintain a 10-kilometre security buffer zone along the border, which it says is necessary to prevent cross-border attacks and dismantle remaining militant infrastructure.
Despite the ceasefire, the situation remains tense, with both sides maintaining firm positions on security arrangements. The truce has brought temporary relief to civilians in parts of Lebanon and Israel, but officials have acknowledged that its long-term stability will depend on enforcement mechanisms and broader diplomatic engagement.
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