Israel Says No Peace in Beirut Unless Hezbollah Stops Attacks

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that there will be no peace in Beirut unless Hezbollah ceases its attacks. Israel has pledged to establish a military-controlled zone in the Litani River area of southern Lebanon.

‘Dahiyeh in Beirut is no different from communities in northern Israel—if there is no peace in the north, there will be no peace in Beirut,’ Katz said in a statement released by his office, referring to southern Beirut’s suburbs and Hezbollah’s stronghold where he previously ordered strikes.

‘At the same time, the IDF continues operations involving fire and manoeuvres against Hezbollah groups and infrastructure in Lebanon… to eliminate threats to IDF forces and Israeli civilians, and to transform the Litani region into a security zone under IDF control, free from weapons and terrorists,’ Katz added.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to intensify pressure on Lebanon after announcing on Friday (29 May) that most of southern Lebanon is now considered a ‘battle zone’ despite a ceasefire.

Following the ceasefire on 17 April, Israel established a ‘Yellow Line’ approximately 12 kilometres inside Lebanese territory from its northern border.

Last week, the Israeli military declared all areas south of the Zahrani River in Lebanon—about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the border, including the cities of Tyre and Nabatieh—as a ‘battle zone’ and ordered residents to evacuate.

Avichaya Adraee, the Arabic-speaking military spokesperson, said on Monday (1 June) that the army had issued new evacuation orders for seven towns and villages north of Zahrani.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated on Monday (1 June) that his country is facing ‘cruel and condemnable Israeli aggression.’ Israel and Hezbollah frequently accuse each other of violating ceasefire terms.