Defense Minister Israel Katz said in an interview to the Knesset Security Committee that the Second Lebanon War (2006) was 'not a war,' responding to a question about the conflict and Operation Cast Lead. The remark comes as Katz oversees the IDF's ongoing operations in southern Lebanon, which he has framed as a necessary campaign against Hezbollah.
Defense Minister Israel Katz told the Knesset Security Committee on Wednesday that the Second Lebanon War (2006) was 'not a war,' responding to a question about the conflict and Operation Cast Lead. The remark comes as Katz, who has served as defense minister throughout the current northern campaign, has repeatedly stated that the IDF will remain in southern Lebanon security zones 'until further notice' to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing itself. Katz has also emphasized that there is no restriction on IDF action to eliminate threats in Lebanon. The Second Lebanon War, fought between Israel and Hezbollah in July-August 2006, lasted 34 days and resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Katz did not elaborate on the reasoning behind his statement in the reported exchange.
- StrongKatz: No restriction on IDF action to remove threats in Lebanon; Amir says no initiated ops, no ceasefire
- StrongSenior Israeli security source: 'In Lebanon there is a war, not a ceasefire'
- DevelopingLebanese PM says war with Hezbollah not Lebanon's, accuses Iran of using south as bargaining chip
- DevelopingDefense Minister Katz: 'The lesson of October 7 — IDF must remain beyond the border, not withdraw from security zone'
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