Israel's newly appointed defense minister announced Sunday that the country had defeated Hezbollah, pointing to the removal of Lebanese terror group leader Hassan Nasrallah as its crowning achievement.
Nasrallah was killed on September 27 in an Israeli airstrike when the IDF attacked the headquarters of an Iranian-backed group south of Beirut.
The Israeli military also announced late last month that it had removed Hashem Saffieddin, who was widely expected to take control of Hezbollah after Nasrallah's killing.
“Our job is to keep up the pressure to bring about a victorious outcome,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Sunday at a ceremony at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Hezbollah confirms death of senior commander who replaced Hassan Nasrallah
Israel Katz (Reuters/Florion Goga/File)
Katz added that Israel has no interest in interfering in Lebanon's domestic politics because it has “learned its lessons.” He also said he hopes the United Nations will use this opportunity politically and hopes Lebanon will join other countries in normalizing relations with Israel.
On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and announced later that day that Mr. Katz would replace Mr. Gallant.
The move comes as Israel is embroiled in multiple conflicts, including fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and exchanging long-range attacks with Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Fire Minister Yoav Gallant
The Israel Defense Forces are fighting Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon. (IDF Spokesperson Unit)
In subsequent media remarks, Gallant said he and Netanyahu disagreed on three issues. Bringing the hostages home. State Commission of Inquiry into Intelligence Failures Before the October 7, 2023 Hamas Attack.
Israeli forces began airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Sunday, and again in the area where Saffiedine was killed last month.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Hezbollah also claimed responsibility for a drone attack that fired multiple rockets into northern Israel and damaged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's home.
Fox News Digital's Anders Hagstrom and Reuters contributed to this report.
