Israeli defense minister Katz said on the 4th that recent developments in
Lebanon could create conditions for an Israel-Lebanon peace accord. He said a
US-mediated principled statement reached in Washington between Israel and the
Lebanese government reflects ground-level progress, including steps to reduce
Hezbollah’s military capability, pull its forces north of the Litani River and
establish a demilitarized zone. An IDF spokesman said fighting in southern
Lebanon remains ongoing. Katz added Israel "will not entrust its security to any
other party" and said the unfolding situation could, for the first time in
nearly 50 years, offer northern Israeli residents "real and lasting security."
