Israeli war minister threatens to ‘eliminate’ any individual who comes close to southern Lebanon heights

Israeli minister of military affairs Israel Katz has threatened to “eliminate” anyone approaching the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, claiming that the army is preparing to assert control over the strategic territory.

Katz claimed on Sunday that Israeli military forces had killed members of the Hezbollah resistance movement and destroyed their infrastructure in the region, while also preparing to stop the group or any other organization from regaining a presence.

He said that the ridge is included in what Israel refers to as the “Yellow Line” – a military zone stretching roughly 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the border inside southern Lebanon, and a self-proclaimed “security zone” inside Lebanon, covering approximately 700 square kilometers (270 square miles).

The Israeli war minister further claimed that the regime’s forces would not retreat from or reposition in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah was disarmed throughout the Arab nation.

Neither Lebanese authorities nor Hezbollah officials have provided any immediate comments.

Iran calls on UN to protect Lebanese civilians as Israel’s attacks continue

Iran’s High Council for Human Rights has condemned Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon, saying Israel is violating international humanitarian law and calling for greater international action to protect civilians.

According to Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NNA), Israeli forces conducted additional airstrikes and artillery assaults on multiple locations in southern Lebanon on Sunday.

Israeli fighter jets targeted the Ali al-Taher forest located on the outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, followed by a subsequent strike on the town within a span of less than 15 minutes.

The aircraft subsequently conducted two successive strikes on Kfar Tebnit, and less than thirty minutes later, a third strike was carried out on the town.

An additional Israeli airstrike struck near al-Dabsha hill, located on the outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, while Zawtar al-Sharqiyah was subjected to Israeli artillery bombardment.

There were no immediate reports of possible casualties or the extent of the damage.

The strikes occurred despite a US-sponsored framework agreement between the Beirut government and the Tel Aviv regime, signed on June 26.

The agreement outlines a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory in return for the deployment of the Lebanese army.

The secretary-general of the Lebanese resistance movement, Sheikh Naim Qassem, has dismissed the agreement as illegitimate, unlawful, and humiliating.

Hezbollah launched military operations against Israel on March 2 in response to the US-Israeli aggression against Iran, repeated Israeli violations of the 2024 ceasefire, and Israel’s continued occupation of Lebanese territory in the south.

Since then, despite months of negotiations, Israel has continued its military offensive against Lebanon.

According to official Lebanese figures, Israeli assaults in Lebanon have killed nearly 4,400 individuals and left 12,500 others injured since March 2.

Israel continues its occupation of regions in southern Lebanon, including territory that has been held for many years as well as areas seized during recent wars and military offensives.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk