Israel Katz Vows to Enforce Hezbollah Disarmament as Amnesty Warns Iran Over Child Soldier War Crimes

Defense Minister Israel Katz outlines plans to demolish Hezbollah outposts as Amnesty International warns Iran that using 12-year-old soldiers is a war crime.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 3, 2026, 7:54 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Emanuel Fabian and AP

The Strategic Mandate for Hezbollah Disarmament

Defense Minister Israel Katz has reaffirmed that the core of Israel’s military policy in Lebanon is the permanent disarmament of Hezbollah through a combination of military and political pressure. Following a high-level assessment with military officials, Katz emphasized that this objective remains the top priority for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), regardless of the broader geopolitical tensions with Iran. The Minister signaled that the campaign is transitioning into a phase of structural denial, where the physical capacity for Hezbollah to operate near the Israeli border will be systematically dismantled. This policy reflects a long-term commitment to ensuring that the northern frontier is no longer subject to the threat of coordinated cross-border incursions or missile fire.

Implementation of the Gaza Model in Southern Lebanon

In a significant escalation of military doctrine, Katz announced that homes in Lebanese border villages used as Hezbollah outposts will be demolished using the "Rafah and Khan Younis model" previously employed in the Gaza Strip. This strategy involves the total removal of structures that provide cover for anti-tank missile launches against Israeli civilian communities. The IDF is currently completing its ground offensive up to a specific line of engagement, intended to push Hezbollah's tactical assets back from the immediate proximity of the border. By physically altering the landscape of southern Lebanon, the Israeli government aims to create a permanent buffer zone that prevents the re-establishment of forward-operating positions by the terror group.

Security Control and the Displacement of Populations

The Israeli defense establishment has confirmed it will maintain strict security control over southern Lebanon, extending as far north as the Litani River. Minister Katz stated that the return of approximately 600,000 residents who evacuated northern Lebanon will be strictly prohibited until the safety of Israel’s northern residents can be fully guaranteed. This policy of exclusion is framed as a necessary measure to prevent the infiltration of militants disguised as returning civilians. The IDF’s posture indicates a long-term presence in the region, focusing on the neutralization of Hezbollah’s remaining operational infrastructure and the continued targeting of the group’s seni...