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 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.

More Worthy News

Netanyahu Rejects Trump-Backed Gaza Plan, Says Israel Will Not Withdraw Until Hamas Fully Disarms
Netanyahu Rejects Trump-Backed Gaza Plan, Says Israel Will Not Withdraw Until Hamas Fully Disarms
Sunday, August 9, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday formally rejected a U.S.-backed 15-point plan for Gaza, declaring that Israeli forces will not withdraw from territory in the Strip until Hamas undergoes what he called complete and genuine disarmament.

Jetstar, Qatar Airways Jets In Sydney Near-Miss Amid Air Traffic Control Concerns
Jetstar, Qatar Airways Jets In Sydney Near-Miss Amid Air Traffic Control Concerns
Sunday, August 9, 2026

Australian aviation authorities launched an investigation Sunday after a Jetstar passenger plane and a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 narrowly avoided colliding at Sydney Airport, injuring a cabin crew member in the second near-miss at the airport within two weeks, amid mounting concerns about air traffic control staffing and safety.

Europe’s Heatwaves Expose Vulnerability Of Wind-Dependent Power Systems (Worthy News Investigation)
Europe’s Heatwaves Expose Vulnerability Of Wind-Dependent Power Systems (Worthy News Investigation)
Sunday, August 9, 2026

Europe’s record-breaking heatwaves are exposing vulnerabilities in electricity systems increasingly dependent on weather-driven renewable energy as part of the European Union’s green agenda.

Christian Father And Youth Killed In Pakistan Amid Rising Anti-Christian Violence
Christian Father And Youth Killed In Pakistan Amid Rising Anti-Christian Violence
Sunday, August 9, 2026

Two Christians, including a young man and a father of four, have been killed in separate attacks in Pakistan, highlighting growing concern about violence and discrimination facing the Christian minority in the Islamic nation, well-informed sources told Worthy News on Sunday.

Lake Mead Falls to Historic Low as Colorado River Crisis Deepens
Lake Mead Falls to Historic Low as Colorado River Crisis Deepens
Sunday, August 9, 2026

Lake Mead has fallen to its lowest level since the massive reservoir was filled nearly 90 years ago, underscoring the growing strain on the Colorado River system that supplies water and electricity across much of the American West.

Former NBA Players Declare for WNBA Draft, Putting Transgender Eligibility Rules to the Test
Former NBA Players Declare for WNBA Draft, Putting Transgender Eligibility Rules to the Test
Sunday, August 9, 2026

Two former NBA players are seeking to put the transgender-athlete debate to a real-world test, declaring their intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft as questions intensify over who should be eligible to compete in women’s professional basketball.

Senate Passes Government Funding Stopgap, Leaves Town
Senate Passes Government Funding Stopgap, Leaves Town
Sunday, August 9, 2026

After days of drawn-out negotiations, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed a short-term government funding stopgap early Saturday morning.