Israeli Defense Minister: ‘Hezbollah Must Withdraw Beyond Litani River’

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Newly appointed Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Wednesday that Israel would reject any ceasefire agreement that does not require Hezbollah to withdraw beyond the Litani River, amid reports that a deal may be close.

“We will not agree to just any cease-fires, we will not take our foot off the gas, and we will not accept any agreement that does not include the achievement of the war goals,” Katz said on Wednesday.

Katz outlined Israel’s conditions for a potential deal, stating that it includes “the disarmament of Hezbollah, its withdrawal beyond the Litani [River], and creating the conditions for the residents of the north to return to their homes in safety.”

Katz further emphasized that any agreement must grant Israel the right to “enforce” the terms and to “act against any terrorist activity and organization,” he explained.

Several media outlets reported that Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday to discuss the terms of a potential deal. France, also involved in the mediation efforts, addressed Israel’s security concerns during a visit by its Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, to the Jewish state last week.

Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.

More Worthy News

Netanyahu Seeks Firm U.S. Guarantees on Gaza, Hostages, and Hamas Disarmament Ahead of Trump Summit
Netanyahu Seeks Firm U.S. Guarantees on Gaza, Hostages, and Hamas Disarmament Ahead of Trump Summit
Sunday, December 28, 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Florida on Sunday ahead of a pivotal meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, amid growing Israeli concern that Washington may push forward with Phase II of the Gaza agreement without securing Israel’s core security demands.

Israel Deploys Iron Beam Laser Defense System in Historic Military Milestone
Israel Deploys Iron Beam Laser Defense System in Historic Military Milestone
Sunday, December 28, 2025

Israel has officially deployed its Iron Beam laser-based air defense system in operational field use, marking a historic breakthrough in modern warfare, the Defense Ministry announced Sunday. The system has now transitioned from development and testing into active service with the Israel Defense Forces, becoming the world’s first high-power laser interception platform to reach full operational status.

Knife Attack Near Suriname Capital Kills Nine, Including Five Children
Knife Attack Near Suriname Capital Kills Nine, Including Five Children
Sunday, December 28, 2025

A knife attack outside Suriname’s capital Paramaribo killed at least nine people, including five children, police said Sunday, in one of the deadliest violent incidents in the small country’s recent history.

Midair Helicopter Collision Kills One In New Jersey, Renewing U.S. Aviation Safety Scrutiny
Midair Helicopter Collision Kills One In New Jersey, Renewing U.S. Aviation Safety Scrutiny
Sunday, December 28, 2025

One person was killed and another critically injured Sunday after two helicopters collided midair in southern New Jersey, U.S. authorities said, adding to heightened concern over aviation safety following an earlier deadly air disaster near the nation’s capital.

Christians Blocked From Christmas Worship In Indonesia’s West Java Amid Extremism Concerns
Christians Blocked From Christmas Worship In Indonesia’s West Java Amid Extremism Concerns
Sunday, December 28, 2025

Christians in Indonesia’s West Java were weighing their options Sunday after Muslims reportedly formed a human wall to block members of a Protestant church from reaching their Christmas worship service, in an incident that has underscored concerns about religious extremism in the country.

Zelenskyy Seeks In US Seeks Security Guarantees Amid Fresh Attacks (Worthy News Radio)
Zelenskyy Seeks In US Seeks Security Guarantees Amid Fresh Attacks (Worthy News Radio)
Sunday, December 28, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is holding talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump at his Florida residence, as part of renewed efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. The discussions come just hours after Moscow issued a fresh warning over the possible deployment of European peacekeepers.

Japan Massive Highway Crash Kills Two, Injures 26 as Holiday Travel Begins
Japan Massive Highway Crash Kills Two, Injures 26 as Holiday Travel Begins
Sunday, December 28, 2025

Authorities in Japan continued an investigation Sunday after confirming that at least two people were killed and 26 were injured in a massive multi-vehicle crash on a snow-covered expressway, as millions began traveling for the year-end and New Year holidays.