Israeli minister threatens relentless airstrikes on Lebanon
Defense chief warns of intensified airstrikes against Hezbollah, citing ‘unverified’ security concerns despite year-old ceasefire and persistent troop presence
TEL AVIV, Israel (MNTV) — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that there would be “no calm” in Lebanon until Israel’s security is fully guaranteed, signaling potential escalation following recent strikes on Hezbollah members in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Katz told the Israeli parliament that enforcement airstrikes would continue and even intensify, stating, “There will be no calm in Beirut, nor order and stability in Lebanon.”
He emphasized that Hezbollah must be disarmed, referencing the elimination of a senior Hezbollah military commander in recent Israeli strikes.
Satellite imagery shows that Israel continues to maintain five strategic positions in south Lebanon, a year after the November 27, 2024, ceasefire intended to end more than a year of hostilities.
The truce required Israeli forces to withdraw fully within 60 days, while Hezbollah was expected to pull back north of the Litani River and dismantle military infrastructure.
The Israeli positions, ranging from one to two hectares (2.5–5 acres), are heavily fortified with earthen embankments, house temporary buildings, and include areas for military vehicles.
They provide direct oversight of Lebanese border towns such as Kfar Kila, Aita Al-Shaab, Maroun Al-Ras, Aitaroun, Blida, Markaba, and Hula—many heavily damaged by prior Israeli strikes and ground incursions.
Satellite data shows widespread destruction near the Hatzivoni outpost between Hula and Markaba, while access roads to all positions have been significantly widened to facilitate military movement.
The westernmost base in Labbouneh sits roughly 500 feet from a UN peacekeeping site, and the easternmost position on Hamames Hill extends nearly a mile into Lebanese territory.
American researchers Corey Scher and Jamon Van Den Hoek of the University of Oregon reported that Kfar Kila has been 65 percent destroyed.
Aita Al-Shaab and Yarin suffered 57 percent and 55 percent destruction, respectively, highlighting the impact of ongoing Israeli strikes.
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