Tel Aviv, Israel – In a verbal escalation reflecting Israel’s intention to transform the border confrontation into a ground invasion or the occupation of new security zones, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz issued a strongly worded warning to the Lebanese state. He also hinted that Israel might “take control of the territory itself” if the Lebanese government continues to fail to curb Hezbollah’s operations.
Threat of invasion and field control
Katz’s remarks came during a high-level security meeting he held with senior Israeli military officers to discuss recent developments on the ground. Katz clarified that the Israeli message was now clear and decisive, stating, “I warned the Lebanese president that if the Lebanese government cannot impose control over its territory and prevent Hezbollah from threatening northern settlements and firing toward Israel, we will be forced to retake control of that territory ourselves.” This statement reflects a shift in current Israeli military doctrine from “deterrence and bombardment” to “geographic stabilization.” This raises international concerns about a repeat of the “security zone” scenario that Israel imposed in southern Lebanon for decades.
Preparations to expand the scope of the war
The Israeli Defense Minister revealed that, in coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he had issued formal and direct instructions to the Israeli army to “prepare for an expansion of military operations in Lebanon.” Katz indicated that these instructions aim to end the displacement in northern Israel and “restore calm and security to the northern settlements” at any military cost. However, he clarified that this might necessitate a change in the geographical reality on the ground.
violent reactions on the ground
In reviewing the operational situation, Katz confirmed that Hezbollah launched a heavy and systematic bombardment of Israel on Wednesday. The Israeli army responded with a “fierce retaliation,” targeting vital sites in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Additionally, the army targeted Hezbollah command centers and weapons depots in various locations deep inside Lebanon. These threats come at a time when the Lebanese front is completely devoid of any diplomatic solutions. Moreover, the mutual violations continue, and UNIFIL forces warn that the region is on the brink of a “full-scale war” that could redraw the boundaries of engagement in the Middle East. Observers believe that Katz’s threat of territorial control places a historic responsibility on the Lebanese state and the international community to prevent the region from sliding into a new occupation. This could open the floodgates to an endless conflict.
