Netanyahu threatens ‘intensive war’ if Lebanon ceasefire is violated

The Israeli leader stressed that Hassan Nasrallah and “all leaders” of Hezbollah were killed. “We have destroyed most of the rockets and missiles. We have killed thousands of terrorists and destroyed underground and terrorist infrastructure near our borders,” he added on Tuesday.

Netanyahu said there are three reasons for the ceasefire. The first is to focus on Iran, the second is to allow troops to rest and replenish weapons stocks, and the third reason, he says, is to delink the northern and southern fronts and isolate Hamas. “With Hezbollah out of the picture, Hamas is left alone in the campaign. Our pressure will increase,” he says, citing that this will allow Israel to bring the hostages home.

Prime Minister added that he is “determined” to keep Israel’s soldiers alive and safe. “That’s why tonight I will present to the cabinet a plan for a ceasefire in Lebanon,” he highlighted.

The agreement requires Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon and the Lebanese Army to deploy in the region within 60 days. Hezbollah, in turn, would end its armed presence along the border south of the Litani River.

For more than a month, Lebanon has been waiting for a ceasefire. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said in October that he was doing everything possible for negotiations and that he was optimistic about the possibility. The expectation, however, was frustrated by Israel, which signaled rejection with an expansion of attacks.

(With AFP)