KABUL: Israeli military officials say Israeli forces will remain in security zones in southern Lebanon as long as threats from Hezbollah continue.
Israel’s military chief of staff said the country was determined to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing a military presence south of the Litani River.
During a visit to Israel’s 91st Division near the Lebanese border, he said Hezbollah should not be allowed to reorganize its forces, rebuild its military capabilities or establish new military infrastructure in the area.
“The war is not over yet,” the Israeli military chief of staff said.
He said the Israeli military had weakened Hezbollah’s military capabilities but that significant challenges remained and the situation in the area could change rapidly.
An Israeli military official also said Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon until the security situation changes. According to the official, Israel would not withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon as long as threats from Hezbollah persist.
The official also said the Lebanese army should dismantle all armed groups that operate outside the control of the Lebanese government.
Under an agreement reached two years ago, Hezbollah was expected to disarm in Lebanon and hand over its weapons to the Lebanese army. Hezbollah forces, however, strongly opposed the arrangement.