Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has pledged to establish military control over the area surrounding southern Lebanon’s Litani River. Katz emphasized that strikes on Beirut will persist until Hezbollah ceases its attacks, asserting that peace in northern Israel is contingent on peace in Beirut. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the military to strengthen its presence in Lebanese territories held by Hezbollah, following the capture of the strategic Beaufort Ridge and castle by Israeli forces. Netanyahu highlighted the significance of this capture, underscoring unity and strength in Israel’s approach.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) revealed that Hezbollah orchestrated military operations from the Beaufort Ridge, launching various attacks from the area. Despite Israeli military actions, Hezbollah continued to launch rockets and drones towards northern Israel, resulting in interceptions and some rockets falling in unpopulated regions. The IDF successfully neutralized a launcher used by Hezbollah to target Tiberias, a city in northeastern Israel, averting casualties. Netanyahu and Katz jointly announced military strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs in response to repeated Hezbollah violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon.
