Israeli army chief vows decisive action against Hezbollah in south Lebanon
Israeli Defence Forces chief Lt. Gen. Egial Zamir visited troops near the historic Bofoor castle in southern Lebanon and announced that the army will take "decisive" action against the Iran‑backed Hezbollah if the cease‑fire is breached. He warned that Israeli forces are ready to launch rapid offensive operations and urged Lebanese armed forces to honour the historic agreement by eliminating Hezbollah militants and its underground tunnels, which Israel says it discovered beneath the castle.
The statements come amid a fragile cease‑fire that began after a U.S.–Iran agreement in June and follows the renewal of hostilities on 2 March, when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in support of Iran. Israel has said it will keep troops within a ten‑kilometre security zone along the border and will continue intermittent strikes in southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said some Christian villages in southern Lebanon have asked to be annexed to Israel for protection from Hezbollah.
Both sides remain on high alert as diplomatic talks continue, with the risk that any violation could trigger a broader escalation.