Katz says Bekaa airstrikes 'clear message' to Hezbollah, govt.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that Israel’s airstrikes on the Bekaa earlier in the day were a “clear message” to Hezbollah and Lebanon’s government, accusing Hezbollah of plotting to restore its Radwan force’s ground incursion capabilities.

The Lebanese government is “responsible for upholding the (ceasefire) agreement,” Katz said.

“We will strike at every terrorist and thwart any threat to the residents of the north and the State of Israel, and we will respond with maximum force against any attempt (by Hezbollah) to restore itself," he threatened.

Media reports said hills near the eastern city of Baalbek were targeted by a wave of 15 airstrikes.