Israel Threatens to Strike Beirut's Southern Suburbs Over Rocket or Drone Fire

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that Israel will target Beirut's southern suburbs if Lebanon launches any rocket or drone attacks against it, Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu Agency reported.

Katz said on social media that Israel could expand its presence in southern Lebanon, specifically in the Nabatieh and Litani areas, if Hezbollah joins an Iranian attack. He stated that residents of any new territory seized by Israel would be evacuated and the areas would be permanently incorporated into Israel's security zone in Lebanon.

Katz also emphasized that Israel will not withdraw from southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed across the country. He claimed that Israeli forces have demolished over 60 Lebanese villages, containing 23,000 homes, which they say were used by Hezbollah for military purposes.

Israel has established a 700-square-kilometer security zone inside Lebanon and displaced around 200,000 residents, Katz said. His comments come as Lebanese and Israeli military delegations are holding US-mediated talks in Tampa, Florida.

Israel has been carrying out attacks on Lebanon since March 2, resulting in thousands of casualties and over 1.5 million displaced residents. Despite a US-sponsored framework agreement signed on June 26, which outlines a gradual Israeli withdrawal and the disarmament of Hezbollah, Israel has continued its attacks on southern Lebanon.

The conflict between Israel and Lebanon has a long history, with tensions escalating in recent years. Hezbollah's military activities and Israel's occupation of Lebanese territory have been major points of contention. The situation remains volatile, with both sides suffering significant losses.