Israel to Continue Lebanon Operations for Now, Defense Minister Says

Israel intends to press on with its military operations in southern Lebanon, with Defense Minister Israel Katz stating on Thursday that residents displaced by the conflict will not be allowed to return home.

Katz's remarks followed an announcement that Lebanon and Israel had agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire. However, the deal's implementation hinges on Hezbollah halting its attacks. Israeli troops are set to remain in the "security zone" in southern Lebanon, including the historic Beaufort Castle, which Israel captured on Saturday.

According to Reuters, Katz emphasized Israel's objective to "dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the area." He also asserted Israel's "freedom of action, backed by the United States, to strike in Beirut in response to attacks on Israeli communities and territory."

This new ceasefire agreement comes after previous attempts in April and May failed to halt the violence, highlighting the ongoing instability in the region.

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Israel would continue to "dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the area" while Israel had "freedom of action, backed by the United States, ⁠to ⁠strike in Beirut in response to attacks on Israeli communities and territory."