On Lebanon visit, Israel's Katz says either no drones or no Hezbollah

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Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has adopted a threatening tone during a visit to troops in southern Lebanon.

"In recent days, we have seen attempts to send drones towards the State of Israel," Katz said on Sunday, according to his office. "I want to send a clear message from here to Hezbollah and the Lebanese government: Israel will not tolerate drone attacks from Lebanon."

He warned that any threats would be met with full force. "Either there are no drones or there is no Hezbollah," Katz said.

The White House agreed that a ceasefire agreed in November between Israel and the pro-Iranian Shiite militia Hezbollah could be extended until February 18.

The originally planned withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon within 60 days has therefore been delayed. Both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire.

According to Israel's account, the Lebanese army, which is supposed to ensure compliance with the ceasefire and prevent Hezbollah from returning to the area, is not advancing quickly enough. Hezbollah has not retreated north of the Litani River as agreed, Israel says.

After the deadline for the withdrawal on January 26, lethal shelling occurred again in Lebanon, as residents in the south tried to return to their home towns. According to Lebanese reports, 24 people were killed and more than 100 others were injured by Israeli shelling.