Israel's Defence Minister Threatens action against hezbollah over truce breach

Jerusalem (The Uttam Hindu): Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz visited an Israeli army outpost in southern Lebanon on Sunday, issuing a stark warning to Hezbollah over potential violations of the ceasefire agreement. The agreement in effect since November 27 requires Hezbollah to move its fighters and weapons to the north of the Litani River with Israeli troops withdrawing from southern Lebanon and the Lebanese army taking control of the border areas. Katz visited the outpost which overlooks Lebanese villages Marun al-Ras and Yaroun to oversee the security arrangements ahead of the next stages of the ceasefire’s implementation. "If Hezbollah attempts to violate the ceasefire we will crush its head " Katz said, emphasizing Israel's commitment to preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its military infrastructure in the area which he claims poses a threat to Israeli communities.

The ceasefire which brought an end to 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been fragile. Though the ceasefire largely holds there have been sporadic Israeli strikes in Lebanon claiming to target Hezbollah militants. Hezbollah has also allegedly violated the truce in response to Israeli attacks. Under the terms of the ceasefire Israel is to complete its withdrawal from Lebanese territory within 60 days while the Lebanese army is tasked with preventing the presence of weapons and militants south of the Litani River. The agreement also includes oversight by the US, France, UNIFIL and the Lebanese and Israeli armies.