Israel vows to press military campaign in Lebanon despite Iran's warnings

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has vowed to press on with Israel's military campaign in Lebanon, despite a warning from Iran that any such action would prompt the Islamic republic to take "severe" measures in response.

"The IDF will continue to operate in Lebanon against the terrorist organization Hezbollah," Katz said in a statement Monday, adding that Israel would strike Beirut's southern suburbs, known as Dahieh, in retaliation for every attack on northern Israel.

"We categorically reject Iran’s threats. Any Iranian attempt to link Lebanon and Iran and attack Israel will be met with great force, as happened yesterday," Katz said.

Iran announced earlier on Monday that it was halting its latest attacks against Israel, but added that "should acts of aggression and hostility continue, including in southern Lebanon, much more severe and crushing measures than before will follow".