According to a report by The Times Of Israel on April 3, 2026, Defense Minister Israel Katz reaffirmed that Israel is determined to ensure Hezbollah is disarmed, stressing that both military action and political efforts remain central to that objective.
Speaking after a security assessment with senior military officials, Katz emphasized that Israel’s stance toward Lebanon has not changed. “Israel’s policy in Lebanon has been and remains clear: the top objective is the disarmament of Hezbollah through military and political means, regardless of the Iran issue,” he said.
He noted that Israeli forces are in the final stages of their ground operations in southern Lebanon. The campaign has focused on pushing up to positions that limit Hezbollah’s ability to launch anti-tank missiles toward Israeli border communities. According to Katz, this phase is nearing completion as troops secure strategic areas.
At the same time, he underscored that operations against Hezbollah are ongoing and not limited to the southern front. “The IDF will continue to target Hezbollah leaders and operatives throughout Lebanon, in addition to the 1,000 terrorists who have already been eliminated since the beginning of the current campaign,” vows Katz.
The defense minister also addressed the continued threat of rocket attacks, warning that Israel would respond decisively. He stated that the military is prepared to escalate its response if necessary, adding that the IDF will “act forcefully” against Hezbollah rocket fire on Israel.
Katz’s remarks highlight Israel’s continued focus on weakening Hezbollah’s capabilities while maintaining pressure through sustained military and strategic actions. Read_More…