Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz outlined that the next 60 days would be critical in determining whether Israel’s objectives in the northern conflict have been fully achieved. Speaking at a defense industry conference, Katz emphasized the importance of this period for assessing the progress of Israel’s war efforts against Hezbollah and other security threats in the region.
Katz pointed out that in the coming two months, Israel would closely monitor whether the goals set for the northern campaign, particularly regarding Hezbollah, were being realized. These objectives, which had been outlined in earlier stages of the conflict, focus on reducing Hezbollah’s military capabilities and restoring stability to northern Israel, particularly for the displaced citizens.
As part of the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, Israeli ground forces are required to withdraw from Lebanese territory within 60 days. In parallel, Hezbollah fighters are expected to retreat approximately 40 kilometers from the Israeli northern border. Katz stated that achieving these conditions would be a significant indicator of success in the conflict.
One of the key objectives of Israel’s expanded war goals, announced on September 17, was to facilitate the return of more than 60,000 Israeli residents who had been displaced by Hezbollah’s daily rocket fire. The rocket attacks, which had been relentless on northern Israel, forced many families to evacuate their homes, creating a dire humanitarian situation.
Katz emphasized that a return to normalcy for displaced civilians would mark a major achievement for Israel’s military and security efforts. He reassured the public that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were working toward creating the necessary conditions for these residents to safely return home. The defense minister vowed to lead efforts in ensuring the ceasefire’s conditions were fully enforced to achieve this goal.
Katz acknowledged the “decisive and correct decisions” made by Israeli political leadership, which, along with the exceptional performance of the IDF and various security branches, had inflicted significant damage on Hezbollah. These operations, he noted, had set Hezbollah back by years, delivering substantial blows to the group’s infrastructure and military capabilities.
This success against Hezbollah, Katz remarked, had created additional pressure on other militant groups, particularly Hamas. The ongoing military actions in the north were seen as directly impacting Hamas’ operational capabilities, further contributing to the broader security goals of Israel.
Katz emphasized that while Israel’s military operations were aimed at securing the northern border and neutralizing Hezbollah’s threats, the primary ethical goal driving Israel’s efforts was the release of hostages held by Hamas. This mission, according to Katz, was of paramount importance for Israel, as the country works towards securing the safe return of its citizens who are being held captive.
The defense minister stated that the release of hostages, along with the possibility of a prisoner swap, would be a primary focus for Israel in the coming period. Katz emphasized that this was the “supreme goal” for the Israeli government and military, highlighting the ethical importance of ensuring the safe return of the hostages.
Under the terms of the ceasefire deal, the pressure on Hezbollah and other militant groups in the region remains high. Israel’s strategic focus on ensuring the retreat of Hezbollah forces, alongside the withdrawal of Israeli ground forces, is seen as a step toward stabilizing the region. However, the implementation of the ceasefire conditions over the next 60 days will be pivotal in determining the success of these efforts.
The broader implications of the ceasefire, including the conditions for a potential prisoner swap deal, are still being monitored. Israel’s ultimate aim, Katz suggested, is to create a lasting peace that addresses both security concerns and humanitarian needs, ensuring that displaced citizens can return to their homes and that all hostages are safely released.
The next two months will be crucial for Israel in assessing the outcomes of its military operations in the north. With clear goals set for the retreat of Hezbollah forces and the return of displaced civilians, the effectiveness of Israel’s actions will be evaluated based on the enforcement of the ceasefire and the progress made on the humanitarian front. Katz’s statement underlined the importance of these next steps in securing Israel’s long-term peace and security, with a clear focus on ethical objectives, including the return of hostages, as the country continues to navigate the challenges of the conflict in the north.
