Israel Says Hezbollah Campaign Ongoing Despite Ceasefire: ‘Not All Areas Cleared’
Israel’s Defence Minister has stated that the country’s military campaign against Hezbollah is not yet complete, signaling that operations in southern Lebanon will continue even as a temporary ceasefire takes effect in the region. The message is clear: the mission is not over.
In a recent official statement, Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized that while Israeli ground operations and airstrikes have achieved significant results against Hezbollah, the mission has not been fully accomplished. He warned that key objectives remain unfinished, particularly in areas of southern Lebanon where, according to Israel, Hezbollah militants are still active. Significant gains, but not complete.
Katz explained that Israeli forces have made substantial gains during their ground manoeuvres in Lebanon, but added that some regions remain under Hezbollah influence or have not yet been fully secured. He indicated that these zones would need to be addressed either through continued military action or future security arrangements. “Not all areas have been cleared.”
“There are still areas in the south that have not been cleared of Hezbollah militants,” he said, adding that Israel’s broader goal of neutralizing the group’s military capabilities is still ongoing. The campaign continues.
His comments underline Israel’s position that the campaign against Hezbollah is not limited to short-term military operations but is part of a longer-term effort to reshape security conditions along its northern border. A long-term effort.
The statement comes at a time when a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah-linked forces in Lebanon has come into effect following weeks of intense fighting. The truce has been welcomed internationally as a step toward de-escalation, but Israeli officials have made clear that it does not represent the end of military operations. Ceasefire does not mean end.
According to Israeli authorities, forces will continue to maintain control over strategic positions in southern Lebanon that have already been captured during the conflict. The military presence in these areas is expected to remain in place to prevent Hezbollah from regrouping or re-establishing operational bases near the border. Strategic positions will be held.
Officials also reiterated that Israel’s broader objective remains the disarmament of Hezbollah, either through diplomatic agreements or continued military pressure if necessary. Disarmament is the goal.
Katz also issued a cautionary message to civilians who have been displaced by the fighting and are beginning to return to southern Lebanon following the ceasefire announcement. He warned that the security situation remains unstable and that renewed military activity could force further evacuations if hostilities resume. Civilians warned of instability.
The defence minister’s remarks suggest that parts of southern Lebanon remain militarily sensitive, and that civilian movement in these areas could still be restricted depending on operational developments. Sensitive areas remain.
Israeli officials have previously indicated that troops will retain positions in areas they consider strategically important, particularly along the border zone. Military sources have described these positions as necessary to ensure that Hezbollah does not regain operational strength close to Israeli territory. Buffer zone likely.
Reports also suggest that Israel intends to maintain a security buffer zone in parts of southern Lebanon, reinforcing its long-standing demand that Hezbollah be pushed further away from the border region. Buffer zone demanded.
Although the ceasefire has temporarily reduced large-scale fighting, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah remain high. Both sides have accused each other of violations and have maintained firm positions regarding long-term security arrangements in southern Lebanon. Tensions remain high.
International actors have welcomed the pause in hostilities but continue to warn that the situation remains fragile. Observers note that without a broader political settlement addressing Hezbollah’s role and Israel’s security concerns, the risk of renewed escalation remains significant. Fragile peace.
The latest comments from Israel’s defence minister highlight the uncertainty surrounding the current ceasefire arrangement. While active combat has slowed, Israel’s insistence that its military objectives are incomplete suggests that operations could resume if conditions are deemed necessary. Uncertainty remains.
At the same time, diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway involving international mediators seeking to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation. However, with both sides maintaining hardline positions, the long-term outlook remains unclear. Diplomatic efforts continue.
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For now, the ceasefire provides only a temporary pause in a broader conflict that continues to shape security dynamics along the Israel-Lebanon border. A pause, not an end. The conflict continues. The border remains tense.
