Israel vows continued Lebanon offensive despite Washington ceasefire deal

The Israeli army announced on Thursday that its offensive in southern Lebanon will continue despite a trilateral declaration issued in Washington announcing a ceasefire agreement, as Defense Minister Israel Katz insisted military operations would persist until Hezbollah is removed from areas south of the Litani River. Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said operations in southern Lebanon remain ongoing, stating that forces continue to target Hezbollah facilities and infrastructure located in and near villages across the region.

In a post on the US social media platform X, Adraee urged residents to avoid traveling south of the Zahrani River "until further notice," warning that "anyone moving south is putting their life at risk," according to Anadolu Agency. Since March 2, Israel has conducted a large-scale offensive in Lebanon that has killed more than 3,500 people, wounded over 10,600 others and displaced more than 1 million people.

Ceasefire 'conditional'

Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that the ceasefire agreement reached with Beirut "remains conditional" on the removal of Hezbollah fighters from southern Lebanon. Katz stated that the declaration of principles reached under US mediation includes "a clear and unequivocal text" regarding the objective of disarming Hezbollah throughout Lebanon and condemning Iranian involvement in the region.

"Members of the opposition should apologize and acknowledge the major achievement attained so far in Lebanon, both on the ground and politically," Katz said in a statement. He added that the Israeli army would continue military operations on the ground while maintaining its presence in a "security zone" inside Lebanon, including the Beaufort Castle area, and preventing the return of displaced residents.

Washington agreement

The statements came after Lebanon, Israel and the US announced in a joint statement at the conclusion of a fourth round of negotiations in Washington that Beirut and Tel Aviv had agreed to implement a ceasefire. According to the declaration, the two sides will resume political and security tracks during the week beginning June 22 in an effort to reach a comprehensive agreement, with Washington facilitating communication during the transitional period.

The Lebanese government is already implementing a plan to place all weapons under state control, though Hezbollah insists on retaining its arms as a resistance movement confronting Israeli occupation. Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon — some dating back decades and others seized during the 2023-2024 conflict — while its forces have advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory during the current offensive, marking the deepest incursion since 2000.