Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Monday that Israel's ongoing campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon relies on a combination of military and diplomatic pressure. He emphasized that the overarching goal is to disarm the Iran-allied militant group.
Katz made the remarks during a press briefing, linking the northern front with Lebanon to the broader regional tensions. The statement comes amid continued cross-border exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, which have escalated since the war in Gaza began.
International efforts, led primarily by the United States, have been underway to broker a diplomatic solution and prevent a full-scale war. However, a sustainable ceasefire agreement has remained elusive as of late April 2026.
The Israeli defense minister's comments underscore the official position that military action is intended to create conditions for a diplomatic settlement that would push Hezbollah forces away from the border and ultimately dismantle its military capabilities.
