As a second round of Israel–Lebanon talks is expected on Thursday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued strong threats against Hezbollah, warning leader Naim Qasem he “will pay the price with his head,” while also cautioning the Lebanese government it will “pay a heavy price” if it fails to disarm the group. Speaking during Israel’s Memorial Day commemorations, Katz said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had instructed the army to continue operations in southern Lebanon against any threats, projecting a message of strength and defiance. The remarks come as Israel faces domestic pressure and unpopularity after being compelled to observe ceasefires linked to President Donald Trump’s announcements on Iran and Lebanon. While Israeli officials have insisted the two fronts remain separate, they are now seeking to rally support among communities in northern Israel. At the same time, officials are viewing the upcoming Islamabad talks with scepticism, signalling expectations of failure and indicating readiness to resume strikes in both Iran and Lebanon. Al Jazeera’s Nida Ibrahim reports from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://X.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile #Israel #Lebanon #IsraelKatz #NaimQasem #SouthernLebanon #Hezbollah #IsraelAttacksLebanon #LebanonGazaComparison #Hezbollah #IsraelLebanonTalks #DisarmingHezbollah #IsraelLebanonYellowLine #WarInLebanon #IsraeliInvasionOfSouthernLebanon