Israel Katz

The ICJ had given Israel several extensions over the last year to file the brief, with the most recent extension being until March 12.

It is important to understand that the defendants were not exonerated, and the indictments were dropped on the basis of ‘Haganah min hatzedek’ - when one’s right to a fair trial has been violated.

Just before Katz's statement, multiple IDF sources told The Jerusalem Post that the IDF is still not in favor of launching a full invasion of Lebanon, despite Hezbollah's heavy attacks on the North.

The IDF is ramping up operations in southern Lebanon, moving key forces and expanding attacks on Hezbollah strongholds, as direct confrontations on the ground escalate.

The plan was eventually shared with the Washington and brought forward around January after protests broke out Iran, according to Katz.

The defense minister told the defense secretary he appreciated the unprecedented coordination between the sides.

US and Israeli strikes have severely disrupted Iran's military leadership, with missile launches dropping and the regime scrambling to select Khamenei’s replacement.

Entire communities along the northern border were emptied amid fear that Hezbollah might try to penetrate the north as Hamas did in the south.

Referring to Lebanon, Netanyahu warned, "They need to look out for themselves, and it would be wise for them to do so quickly. We will continue to do what is necessary to defend ourselves." 

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to Rubio's statements, saying that the US has "entered a war of choice on behalf of Israel."