Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has heightened Israel's stance in southern Lebanon, linking any withdrawal from what Israel deems the "security zone" to the disarmament of Hezbollah, and asserting that control over Ali Al-Taher Heights would strengthen security grip on the south.
Katz stated that Israel "will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed."
Regarding Ali Al-Taher Heights, the Israeli Defense Minister clarified that Israeli forces moved into the area after receiving information about the presence of command tunnels.
Katz added that control over "Ali Al-Taher," as he put it, "represents strengthening the security grip on southern Lebanon."
Katz's positions come amid increasing Israeli focus on Ali Al-Taher Heights, following the advance of Israeli forces into the area based on received information regarding command tunnels, while the Israeli Defense Minister ties continued presence in the "security zone" to the disarmament of Hezbollah.