The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will stay on in five locations in the Lebanese buffer zone, beyond the Tuesday deadline, and will use force in response to any truce violation by Hezbollah, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said.
“The IDF will remain in the Lebanese buffer zone at five control posts along the border in order to ensure protection of all Israeli villages and to counter threats from Lebanon,” the minister said.
The IDF was to withdraw from southern Lebanon by February 18 under a peace agreement.
Katz said that the Israeli military had set up new outposts on the Israeli side of the border and sent reinforcements there. He insisted that Hezbollah must withdraw completely beyond the Litani River and that the Lebanese army disarm the group.
“We will continue to use force firmly and uncompromisingly in response to any violation from the Hezbollah. We are determined to ensure security of all northern settlements,” he said.
The US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese movement Hezbollah went into effect on November 27 after almost 14 months of continuous fighting.
