Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterates that the IDF plans to establish a new security zone in southern Lebanon, and says that “all homes in Lebanese villages near the border will be destroyed — in accordance with the Rafah and Beit Hanoun model in Gaza,” in order “to remove, once and for all, the threats near the border,” The Times of Israel reports.
“At the conclusion of the operation, the IDF will establish a security zone inside Lebanon… and will maintain security control over the entire area up to the Litani River,” Katz says following a situation assessment with senior military officials.
He adds that Israel will bar the return of “more than 600,000 residents of southern Lebanon” to areas south of the Litani River “until the safety and security of northern Israeli residents is ensured.”
He states that “we are determined to separate Lebanon from the Iranian arena – to pull out the snake’s teeth and strip Hezbollah of its ability to threaten,” adding that Israel will seek to “change the situation in Lebanon” through an ongoing IDF security presence.
