Israel’s defense minister Yoav Katz said the Israeli army will remain in southern Lebanon following the killing of four Israeli soldiers and injuries to several others in night attacks by Hezbollah. He warned that any breach of the cease‑fire by Hezbollah would be met with a very strong response and pledged to protect Israeli soldiers and civilians. Katz added that the army will stay in the Lebanese security zone, from the coast to the Boulouff area, to safeguard northern communities, neutralise threats and destroy terrorist infrastructure both underground and on the surface.