JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that Israel will defeat the Hezbollah terrorist group “one way or another,” as the Israel Defense Forces pressed ahead with strikes against the Iran-backed militia and expanded ground operations deeper into southern Lebanon.

Katz made the comments during a security assessment with senior IDF officers, according to a statement from his office.

“No resident of the north should have to leave or move from their land and communities, and our mission is to ensure and guarantee their safety and security,” Katz said.

He noted that the IDF has reinforced troops inside what he described as enemy territory and significantly expanded to additional positions it has taken.

“The IDF has reinforced troops inside enemy territory and has now significantly expanded to additional positions it has taken,” Katz said. “We will do this until Hezbollah is defeated, one way or another.”

The remarks come amid ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah threats along the border, including the seizure of strategic positions to prevent direct fire on Israeli northern communities. Katz has previously authorized advances to create buffer zones and protect border areas following repeated Hezbollah attacks.

The defense minister’s statement underscores Israel’s determination to secure the Galilee region and allow displaced residents to return safely, even as regional tensions remain high with involvement from Iran and other actors.

The IDF continues to target Hezbollah infrastructure, weapons depots and operatives in Lebanon, describing the operations as necessary to restore security along the northern frontier.