Israel Defense Minister Katz: Hezbollah Disarmament South of Litani River to Continue After Ceasefire

Gate News message, April 17 — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on April 17 that after the current temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon ends, Israel will continue disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River through either political or military means, according to Israeli media and Reuters.

On April 16, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, which began on April 16 at 5 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time (midnight Beirut time on April 17). Trump said he had spoken with both leaders to facilitate the agreement.

Israeli media outlets have largely characterized the ceasefire as not a voluntary Israeli choice but rather a result of U.S. pressure to facilitate negotiations with Iran.