The key facts

  • Katz promised strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs for any rocket or drone attacks
  • Israel could expand its occupation to Nabatieh and the Litani if Hezbollah joins an Iranian attack
  • According to Katz, more than 60 villages with 23,000 homes have been destroyed, a 700 sq km security zone created, and about 200,000 people displaced

Threats and Conditions for Troop Withdrawal

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on Tuesday that any launch of rockets or drones at Israeli territory would lead to strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs. In a post on the X platform, he said that if the Lebanese group Hezbollah joins an Iranian attack, Israel could expand its occupation toward the Nabatieh and Litani areas. Katz warned that residents of any newly captured territories would be evacuated, and the areas themselves would be permanently included in what Israel calls its security zone in Lebanon. He also ruled out the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is fully disarmed across the country.

Data on Destruction

Acknowledging the scale of the destruction, Katz said Israeli forces have demolished more than 60 Lebanese villages that contained 23,000 homes, claiming they were used by Hezbollah for military purposes. According to him, Israel has created a 700-square-kilometer security zone inside Lebanon, and about 200,000 residents have been displaced.

Context of Talks and Agreement

The statements came on the day Lebanese and Israeli military delegations held talks, mediated by the United States, at the headquarters of US Central Command in Tampa, Florida. According to the agency, Israel has been carrying out attacks on Lebanon since March 2: thousands of people have been killed and wounded, and more than 1.5 million residents have been forced to leave their homes. On June 26, Lebanon and Israel signed a US-backed framework agreement providing for the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory, the deployment of the Lebanese army, and the disarmament of Hezbollah. Despite the agreement, Israel continued attacks on southern Lebanon, and its forces continue to hold Lebanese territory — both areas held for decades and those captured during recent wars and military operations.