Israel is ready for a full-scale war in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the established ceasefire, the army has already received the corresponding order, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on local television Channel 14.
“We will take advantage of the ceasefire. I didn’t talk about the end of the war, but only about a ceasefire… it may be brief… let’s use force. “If necessary, I have given a directive to the Israel Defense Forces to (start) a full-scale war in the event of a serious violation of this ceasefire.” – said the Prime Minister.
According to Netanyahu, the ceasefire will be used, among other things, to renew the forces and rearmament of the Israeli army.
The statement was made in the context of the ceasefire that came into effect in Lebanon. It was preceded by 13 months of continuous escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, during which its entire high command was eliminated.
On Tuesday night, the Israeli political-military cabinet approved by an absolute majority a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon. Prior to the confirmation, Netanyahu addressed the nation, during which he explained the need for a ceasefire on the northern front, emphasizing that in the event of any violation of the truce by Hezbollah, Israel would respond and resume hostilities.
According to the settlement plan proposed by the United States, over the next 60 days the Lebanese army should occupy territories in the south of the country, and Hezbollah forces and infrastructure should withdraw north of the Litani River, which in different areas flows 20- 30 kilometers from the border with Israel. During this time, Israel must completely withdraw its armed forces from Lebanese territory.
The agreement provides for the creation of an international oversight committee led by the United States to monitor its implementation and eliminate violations. The United States agreed to provide guarantees to Israel that include support for Israeli military action against imminent threats from Lebanese territory, as well as actions to stop the possible reestablishment of Hezbollah’s military presence in southern Lebanon.
