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

Trump Push for SAVE America Act Raises Risk of Congressional Gridlock
Trump Push for SAVE America Act Raises Risk of Congressional Gridlock
Monday, March 9, 2026

A political standoff is brewing in Washington after President Donald Trump vowed not to sign new legislation until Congress passes the SAVE America Act, prompting warnings from Senate leaders that the move could trigger legislative gridlock.

Global Operation Rescues 65 Children, Arrests 60 in Child-Exploitation Crackdown
Global Operation Rescues 65 Children, Arrests 60 in Child-Exploitation Crackdown
Monday, March 9, 2026

An international law-enforcement operation has led to the arrest of 60 suspects and the rescue of 65 child victims following a year-long investigation across Central America, North America, and the Caribbean.

Trump Launches ‘Shield of the Americas’ Strategy Targeting Drug Cartels
Trump Launches ‘Shield of the Americas’ Strategy Targeting Drug Cartels
Monday, March 9, 2026

President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping new strategy to combat drug cartels across the Western Hemisphere, declaring that powerful trafficking networks should be treated as national security threats rather than ordinary criminal organizations.

IDF Hits Over 600 Targets, Kills 200 Hezbollah Operatives in Expanding Lebanon Campaign
IDF Hits Over 600 Targets, Kills 200 Hezbollah Operatives in Expanding Lebanon Campaign
Monday, March 9, 2026

Israel’s military says it has struck more than 600 Hezbollah targets across Lebanon and eliminated roughly 200 terrorists since the Iranian-backed group joined the regional conflict last week.

G7 Nations Not Yet Ready To Release Oil Stockpiles
G7 Nations Not Yet Ready To Release Oil Stockpiles
Monday, March 9, 2026

G7 finance ministers said Monday they will take “necessary measures” to stabilize energy supplies but added there is no plan yet to release strategic oil stockpiles after prices for the vital commodity surged over the weekend to a 45-month high.

Federal Deficit Totaled $1 Trillion In Beginning Of Fy2026, CBO Says
Federal Deficit Totaled $1 Trillion In Beginning Of Fy2026, CBO Says
Monday, March 9, 2026

The United States federal budget deficit totaled $1 trillion in the first five months of fiscal year 2026, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Trump Says War Against Iran ‘Very Near Completion’ as U.S.–Israel Campaign Devastates Regime’s Military
Trump Says War Against Iran ‘Very Near Completion’ as U.S.–Israel Campaign Devastates Regime’s Military
Monday, March 9, 2026

President Donald Trump said Monday that the joint U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran is “very far ahead of schedule,” declaring that the Islamic Republic’s military infrastructure has been largely destroyed and the conflict could soon come to an end.