Israel Pledges Continued Operations Against Hezbollah
Israel will sustain military operations against Hezbollah even under the existing ceasefire framework with Lebanon, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel declared on Wednesday. She argued that the Iran-backed armed group remains a direct security threat and that lasting stability in Lebanon requires Hezbollah's disarmament.
In a virtual interview with ANI, Haskel stated that Israeli operations would persist as long as Hezbollah attacks Israeli territory, asserting that both Israel and Lebanon share an interest in dismantling the group's military capabilities.
Hezbollah as Iranian Occupation
"If Hezbollah continues to attack Israel, we will continue to defend our people, our communities and our forces," she said. "There is nothing more that we want to see than this Iranian terrorist army out of Lebanon... and there is nothing more that the Lebanese government wants to see than this terrorist organisation gone and disarmed."
Describing Hezbollah as an extension of Iran's influence, Haskel characterized the group's continued presence as "an Iranian occupation of Lebanon." She added, "The solution is very, very simple -- get Iran out of Lebanon."
Ceasefire Framework and Disarmament Challenges
Her remarks come as Israel and Lebanon attempt to implement a new security framework aimed at reducing cross-border hostilities. A central provision envisions the eventual disarmament of Hezbollah--a commitment included in previous international agreements, such as after the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, but never fully enforced.
When asked whether Israel would continue operations despite the framework, Haskel explained that the mechanism facilitates cooperation with the Lebanese government but cannot prevent Israeli action if Hezbollah launches attacks. "The framework is a framework on how we can cooperate... but wherever the Lebanese army is too weak to defend their country against this terrorist army, we will have to stand," she said.
Questioned about the likelihood of Hezbollah's disarmament given past failures, Haskel acknowledged the challenge but insisted Israel would persist. "We will continue again and again to partner with nations that seek to fight radical Islamist terrorist organisations," she stated. "Whenever the Lebanese army is too weak to stand against Hezbollah, this is a place where we will have to step up."
Humanitarian Costs and Military Targeting
The deputy foreign minister rejected criticism that Israeli operations in Lebanon have imposed an unacceptable humanitarian cost. Responding to casualty figures from Lebanon's health ministry, she disputed the numbers and argued that Hezbollah initiated the current conflict by attacking Israel after Hamas's October 7 assault. According to Haskel, Israel initially exercised restraint before targeting Hezbollah positions, insisting that operations focus on the group's military infrastructure, not Lebanese state institutions.
"Israel is targeting Hezbollah headquarters, tunnels, missile launchers and massive warehouses," she said. "We give warnings. We take every precaution possible. War is terrible, but we will defend our people."
US Relations and Iran Negotiations
On differences between Israel and the United States over Lebanon policy, Haskel acknowledged disagreements among allies but said both governments pursue the same objective of countering regional militant groups. Referring to the US-brokered diplomatic process involving Lebanon, she praised US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for advancing negotiations while maintaining that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu focuses on Israel's security interests. "President Trump is looking after the interests of the American people. Prime Minister Netanyahu has the same responsibility to the Israeli people," she said.
Haskel expressed scepticism over ongoing US-Iran negotiations, saying Israel remains deeply distrustful of Tehran's leadership. While acknowledging that the current document is only a framework for negotiations, she voiced concern over any financial relief that could strengthen Iran. "I don't have a lot of optimism with what I see," she said. "Iran is a violent and aggressive regime... India should be alarmed as well."
Allegations of War Crimes and Elections
Responding to allegations of war crimes and genocide in Gaza, Haskel dismissed casualty figures released by Hamas-run authorities, questioned the reliability of information used by international organizations, and defended Israel's military campaign as a response to Hamas's October 7 attack. She argued that responsibility for the humanitarian situation lies with Hamas and called for the group's disarmament before further ceasefire implementation.
Asked whether expected Israeli elections could alter the country's military posture, Haskel rejected suggestions that security policy is driven by Prime Minister Netanyahu's political survival. "The policies of defending our country and our communities are not going to change because of the election," she said. "It doesn't matter who is going to be elected. Israel is a democracy, but on defending the country, there is broad consensus."
