Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated this morning (Thursday) that the State of Israel is acting completely independently in everything related to its military presence and the expansion of the security zone in Lebanese territory.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defense referred to operational freedom of action: "We did not ask permission from any party to enter Lebanon, and we do not need permission to remain in Lebanon. It is our right and duty to protect the residents of the Galilee and the citizens of Israel against the threats of the jihadist terrorist organization Hezbollah, which seeks to destroy the State of Israel.".
Katz detailed the sequence of events that led to the current conflict with Hezbollah, and pointed to two key points in time at which the terrorist organization chose to attack the country's territory: "The terrorist organization Hezbollah attacked Israel twice on its own initiative - after Hamas' murderous attack on October 7, and with the beginning of Operation 'Roar of the Eagle' in Iran, when it opened fire on the State of Israel, on the orders of the terrorist regime in Iran.".
The IDF's massive military response, he said, led to significant strategic achievements and fatal damage to the organization. "Israel responded forcefully and over the past two and a half years crushed most of Hezbollah's capabilities and its leadership - led by the arch-terrorist Nasrallah, one of the leaders of the plan to destroy Israel.".
He added: "Thanks to the decisions of the political echelon, the determination of the IDF command, the fortitude and bravery of the IDF soldiers, and the resilience of the residents of the north - we have established a strong security zone in Lebanon, from the sea in the west to the Beaufort complex and the entrances to Mount Hermon in the east, which is clear of residents and terrorist infrastructure below and above ground - and this is to protect the residents of the Galilee from the risk of raids, anti-tank fire, and direct threats.".
The Minister of Defense emphasized his and the Prime Minister's shared commitment to continuing the planned presence across the border until the objectives are fully achieved: "As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have made clear: We will continue to remain in the security zone in Lebanon and operate from within it as necessary until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon and the threat to the residents of the north is removed. We promised security to the residents of the north, and so we did, and so we will continue to do.".
