Netanyahu and Katz: We Will Not Withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah Will Pay a Heavy Price

Translation by SadaNews - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed on Friday that their forces would not withdraw from southern Lebanon and would remain in the area to ensure security for the residents of northern settlements.

Netanyahu stated in a press statement after a joint security assessment session with Katz that his forces had targeted over 80 sites in Lebanon and killed dozens of Hezbollah members. This was also confirmed by his Defense Minister.

Netanyahu added, as translated by SadaNews, "My orders are clear... Israel will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers or our territory, and we will impose a very heavy price on Hezbollah for these attacks," as translated by SadaNews.

He continued: "As I made clear unequivocally, including yesterday: Israel will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon as long as necessary to protect the northern settlements."

For his part, Katz said: "Our forces will remain in the safe area and will respond forcefully to violations of the ceasefire."

Meanwhile, the Israeli army announced the death of an officer and three soldiers and more than 18 wounded in battles in southern Lebanon last night.