Israeli Defense Minister Katz Affirms No Tolerance For Any Ceasefire Violations

Israeli Defense Minister Katz when receiving the UN Special Envoy for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. (Source: Defense Ministry speech)

JAKARTA - Israel's Defense Minister Katz stressed to the UN Special Envoy for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plaschaert that Israel would respond to any threats from Lebanon, even after the ceasefire.

That was said by Defense Minister Katz when he received Hennis-Plasschaert in Tel Aviv on Tuesday.

"We will act against any threats, anytime and anywhere," Defense Minister Katz said, according to his office, quoted by The Times of Israel November 26.

"Every house in southern Lebanon that is rebuilt and becomes a terrorist base will be destroyed, any deployment and re-establishment of terrorists will be attacked, any attempt to smuggle weapons will be thwarted, and any threats to our troops or Israeli citizens will soon be destroyed," he said., hours before the security cabinet is expected to agree to a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel.

He also demanded "effective law enforcement" from UNIFIL, an international peacekeeping organization in Lebanon. According to Israel's reading, Defense Minister Katz stressed that the implementation of a ceasefire must include effective enforcement and surveillance, including preventing the smuggling of weapons and domestic weapons production by Hezbollah.

Katz stressed that Israel would show "no tolerance" for violations of the ceasefire.

"If you don't, we will," he said.

"And with great strength," said Defense Minister Katz.