Israel committed to protecting north, disarming Hezbollah, Katz says
Israel remains committed to protecting its northern citizens and disarming Hezbollah, Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement on Friday.
“The goal we defined - the disarmament of Hezbollah by military or diplomatic means - was and remains the objective of the campaign to which we are committed, especially now that a significant diplomatic lever has emerged with the direct involvement of the US President and a commitment to this goal - through pressure on the Lebanese government," he said.
European countries have capacity to clear mines in Hormuz, French defense minister says
European countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands and France have mine clearance capacity which could help secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz, French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin told French TV station TF1 on Friday.
"There are capabilities to provide fully supported escort services – that is to say, in no way offensive, of course – for ships to ensure safe passage through the strait; that is what will be debated today in Paris," she added.
France and Britain are set to chair on Friday a meeting of around 40 countries aimed at signaling to the United States that some of its closest allies are ready to play a role in restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait typically carries about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flows, once conditions allow.
US intends to lead Hezbollah disarmament, senior Israeli official tells 'Post' - exclusive
A senior Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post that, unlike in the past, the United States now intends to actively lead efforts to disarm Hezbollah and is prepared to use American resources to achieve this goal. “Trump wants this to happen, so this time the US will be far more involved,” the official said.
The official added that the current ceasefire terms are significantly better than those in November 2024, describing the situation as “much improved,” mainly because Hezbollah has suffered a substantial blow this time, including significant casualties, and because Israeli forces are present on the ground.
“Forces are deployed from Naqoura to Syria and will not withdraw. In addition, Iran is in a much weaker position in terms of its ability to support the organization’s recovery.”
US releases details of Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, Israel preserves right to self-defense
The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire went into effect at midnight between Thursday and Friday, with the two countries committing to further negotiations toward a comprehensive agreement for lasting peace, according to a Thursday US State Department press release.
The press release, the text of which was agreed to by the governments of both Israel and Lebanon, outlined the agreement for the 10-day ceasefire, stating that it could be extended should both countries agree and “as Lebanon effectively demonstrates its ability to assert its sovereignty.”
As part of the ceasefire agreement, the Lebanese government has committed to, with international support, take “meaningful steps” to prevent Hezbollah and any other “rogue non-state armed groups” in Lebanon from attacking Israel.
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