Israel Threatens Attacks on Lebanese State Targets Amid Cease-Fire Tensions.

Beirut: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning on Tuesday, threatening to target Lebanese state infrastructure if the fragile cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon disintegrates. This announcement came during Katz's visit to the border area with Lebanon, signaling heightened tensions between the two nations. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, at least 10 individuals lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon despite the existing cease-fire pact between Tel Aviv and Beirut. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee justified the strikes, stating that they were aimed at Hezbollah members and facilities in southern Lebanon. The escalation follows Hezbollah's rocket fire on Monday evening targeting the Israeli position at Ruwaisat Al-Alam in the Kfar Shuba hills. The group described the attack as a 'preliminary defensive warning,' accusing Israel of violating the cease-fire terms. In response, Katz emphasized Israel's commitment to upholding the cease-fire while displaying zero tolerance for Hezbollah's actions. He reinforced Israel's resolve to prevent Hezbollah from reverting to previous tactics. The Lebanese government has yet to comment on Israel's recent threats. The cease-fire, which commenced last week, was intended to halt more than 14 months of hostilities between the Israeli military and Hezbollah. The agreement stipulates a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces south of the Blue Line, with the Lebanese army slated to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days. The United States and France are to oversee the implementation, though the specifics of enforcement remain vague. Since October 2023, Israeli assaults in Lebanon have resulted in nearly 4,000 fatalities, over 16,500 injuries, and the displacement of more than 1 million people, as reported by Lebanese health authorities.