Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel will control a “security zone” in southern Lebanon, up to the Litani River, until the threat of Hezbollah is removed.

Axar.az informs, citing Times of Israel, “The IDF will continue to operate in Lebanon with full force against Hezbollah. Hundreds of thousands of residents of southern Lebanon who evacuated northward will not return south of the Litani River until security for the residents of the north is ensured,” he stated.

Katz noted that all bridges over the Litani River that had been used by Hezbollah to move operatives and weapons into southern Lebanon “have been blown up, and the IDF will control the remaining bridges and the security zone up to the Litani.”

“The principle is clear: Where there is terror and missiles, there will be no homes and no residents, and the IDF will be inside,” he added.