NAIROBI, Kenya— Israel has signaled a hardline stance in Lebanon, ordering its military to use “full force” against any perceived threat—even as a fragile ceasefire remains in place.
The directive, issued by Israel Katz, underscores just how volatile the situation remains along the Israel-Lebanon border, where tensions continue to simmer despite diplomatic efforts to cool the conflict.
‘Full Force’ Directive Raises Ceasefire Questions
Speaking at an event in the occupied West Bank, Katz revealed that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had instructed the Israel Defense Forces to respond aggressively to any threat.
That includes operations “both on the ground and from the air”—even during the ongoing ceasefire.
The move effectively blurs the line between truce and active conflict, raising concerns that the ceasefire could unravel if hostilities escalate further.
Katz also confirmed that Israeli forces have been ordered to demolish buildings and infrastructure deemed dangerous, particularly those suspected of being rigged with explosives or used as militant positions
Border Demolitions and Security Zone Strategy
At the heart of Israel’s strategy is the creation of a buffer zone in southern Lebanon.
According to Katz, structures near the border believed to have served as operational bases for Hezbollah are being systematically destroyed.
This approach has already been put into action. Israeli forces carried out demolitions in the border town of Bint Jbeil, a known flashpoint that saw intense fighting before the ceasefire was agreed.
The policy, however, risks further inflaming tensions with Lebanon, especially as it involves continued military activity during what is supposed to be a pause in fighting.
Deadly Incident Highlights Fragility of Truce
The latest escalation comes just days after an Israeli soldier was killed in southern Lebanon.
According to the military, the soldier entered a booby-trapped building on Friday—the same day a 10-day ceasefire came into effect—triggering the fatal incident.
The episode has been cited by Israeli officials as justification for maintaining an aggressive military posture, even under ceasefire conditions.
Conflict Rooted in Wider Middle East War
The Israel-Lebanon front is part of a broader regional conflict that has drawn in multiple actors.
Fighting intensified in early March when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in support of Iran, escalating tensions across the region.
Israel responded with widespread airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon, significantly raising the stakes in an already volatile Middle East war.
Katz reiterated that the long-term objective remains clear: disarm Hezbollah and eliminate threats to northern Israeli communities—through both military action and diplomacy.
“If the Lebanese government fails to uphold its obligations, the IDF will continue to act,” he warned.
Israel’s decision to maintain “full force” operations during a ceasefire highlights just how fragile the current truce is.
While the policy is framed as a defensive necessity, it risks triggering further escalation in a region already on edge—leaving the path to lasting peace increasingly uncertain.
