Ceasefire with Hezbollah is ‘disintegrating,’ warns Netanyahu

Israel is working with the US to maintain a shaky truce in Lebanon, says Netanyahu, but he warns that Hezbollah’s truce violations are pushing the region back into war.

By World Israel News Staff

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Hezbollah’s violations are eroding the ceasefire in Lebanon, warning that Israel will continue military operations to protect northern communities and Israeli soldiers.

Speaking at the start of the weekly government meeting, Netanyahu said that the IDF remains active in Lebanon despite the ceasefire.

“Regarding Lebanon: One might get the impression that the IDF is not active there. It is active, and it is acting with force,” Netanyahu said.

“It must be understood that Hezbollah’s violations are essentially disintegrating the ceasefire. Therefore, as far as we are concerned, what obligates us is the security of Israel, the security of our soldiers, and the security of our communities.”

Netanyahu said Israeli forces are acting under understandings reached with the United States and Lebanon, including freedom to respond to attacks and to prevent threats before they fully materialize.

“We are acting vigorously according to the rules we agreed upon with the United States, and incidentally, with Lebanon as well,” Netanyahu said.

“This means freedom of action, not only to respond to attacks, which is obvious, but to thwart immediate threats and also to neutralize emerging threats,” he added.

According to Netanyahu, the IDF’s Northern Command has reported the elimination of 46 terrorists over the past two weeks.

“We will act with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,” he said. “We are not prepared to accept this lawlessness.”

The comments came as Israel continues operations aimed at preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding positions and threatening communities near the northern border.

Netanyahu said Israel’s goal remains restoring security to northern Israel.

“We will do whatever is necessary to restore security to the north,” he said.