Israel’s defense minister approves continuing attacks on Lebanon: Report

By Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz approved continuing attacks in Lebanon despite reports of an imminent cease-fire with Hezbollah, Israeli media said on Tuesday.

"We will continue attacks in Lebanon until the last moment before a cease-fire," Israeli public broadcaster KAN said, citing an unnamed official.

The decision was reportedly taken during a meeting with the military’s top brass and other defense officials.

The decision came as Israel’s Security Cabinet convened on Tuesday evening to vote on a US-backed cease-fire proposal with Lebanon.

Israeli media reported early Monday that a cease-fire deal is expected to be announced between Israel and Hezbollah within two days.

Lebanese parliamentarian Qassem Hashem also said on Monday that a cease-fire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel is nearing completion and could be declared within the next 36 hours if negotiations go smoothly.

“The atmosphere is positive, and cease-fire discussions have reached an advanced stage. It’s only a matter of hours before an agreement is finalized and announced if progress continues as expected,” Hashem told Anadolu.

Israel has escalated its airstrikes in Lebanon against what it claims are Hezbollah targets as part of year-long warfare against the Lebanese group since the start of the Gaza war last year.

More than 3,760 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon, with nearly 15,700 injured and over a million displaced since last October, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Israel on Oct. 1 expanded the conflict by launching a ground assault into southern Lebanon.