Israel will push Hezbollah north ‘with or without’ deal, PM Netanyahu vows; reports say deal can be reached within 2 weeks

Amid growing optimism about a ceasefire deal between Hezbollah and Israel, during a border visit on Sunday Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel aims to push the terror group north of the Litani River “with or without an agreement.”

A ceasefire deal could be reached within 10 to 14 days, an Israeli official “not known for his optimism,” Channel 12 news political analyst Amit Segal, told the news channel on Sunday.

Last Wednesday, Kan News published a draft outline of an agreement that is based on the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, while granting Israel the right to act forcefully against any violation of the deal.

“With or without an agreement, the key to returning our residents in the north safely to their homes is to push Hezbollah beyond the Litani, strike at any attempt to rearm itself, and respond vigorously to any action against us,” Netanyahu said.

The prime minister toured the Lebanese border together with the head of the IDF Northern Command, Maj.-Gen. Ori Gordin, 91st Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Shai Kalper and several brigade commanders, received operational updates and discussed defensive and offensive plans for the continuation of the IDF’s activity.

“From here one can see and hear the changed reality – aircraft overhead and our heroic fighters on the ground, beyond the borderline, eliminating the entire underground terrorist network that Hezbollah had prepared to raid the Galilee and carry out an even bigger massacre than occurred in Gaza,” Netanyahu said.

“We are striking all areas in Lebanon… Simply put, enforcement, enforcement, enforcement – and cutting off Hezbollah's pipeline from Iran through Syria. To all of this, we are committed.”

“Our heroic reservists have an immense part in the achievements we have made. They are putting their lives on hold, leaving their wives and children, and sometimes losing jobs. They are losing friends. But I sat with them just now and I was greatly impressed. One must see their readiness and their fighting spirit,” Netanyahu continued.

“I met with brigade, battalion and company commanders. One of the brigade commanders told me: ‘We have the privilege to defend our country. We are making history.’ This spirit of sacrifice and heroism deserves our support. They support us so much and sacrifice so much on behalf of the country; the country should pay them back,” the prime minister said, adding that the government is preparing a national plan to support reservists and their families.

“I want to say that their sacrifice and heroism, and that of the regular army, are the foundation to ensuring our future and our country,” Netanyahu stated.