Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel was “prepared for very strong action” against Hezbollah terrorists as tensions escalate along the northern Lebanon border.
Speaking at the border on Wednesday, Netanyahu addressed the escalating attacks between the Israel Defense Forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah, which began nearly eight months ago when the terrorists fired rockets at the Jewish state in solidarity with Hamas.
“Whoever thinks that they can harm us and we will sit idly by is making a big mistake,” Netanyahu said. “We are prepared for a very strong action in the north.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his country is prepared for a “very strong action” against Hezbollah in Lebanon. X / @netanyahu
Netanyahu’s comments came during a trip to Israel’s northern border with Lebanon on June 5, 2024. Amos Ben-Gershom, GPO“In one way or another we will restore security to the north,” he added.
The Iran-backed terror group has launched near-daily strikes against northern Israel since Oct. 8, with a recent strike on Sunday causing a major blaze that covered more than 2,400 acres and took about two days to put out, the Times of Israel reported.
“The ground burned yesterday and I am happy you put it out,” Netanyahu told firefighters during the visit to the border, “but the ground also burned in Lebanon.”
A fire burning after rocket strikes from Lebanon into northern Israel near the city of Kiryat Shmona on June 3, 2024. Photo by JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images
Israeli firefighters putting out a fire in a field near the border with Lebanon on June 2, 2024. Photo by JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images
A damaged home at the site of a rocket attack from Lebanon on June 4, 2024. Photo by JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty ImagesThe prime minister was referencing a series of retaliatory airstrikes that have taken out Hezbollah weapons depots and operatives since Sunday.
Netanyahu’s warning is just the latest from Israeli leaders who have suggested in recent days that the Jewish state is ready to undergo a two-front war as the battle with Hamas in the south continues.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said in a statement Tuesday that Israel is close to making a decision on how it will address Hezbollah’s ongoing attacks.
“We are approaching the point where a decision will have to be made, and the IDF is prepared and very ready for this decision,” Halevi said.
Hezbollah members and supporters of the Iran-backed Lebanese Shiite militia at a funeral for a commander killed in an Israeli strike on May 20, 2024. Photo by Scott Peterson/Getty ImagesIsraeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was much less subtle and called for the Jewish state to formally declare war on the terror group over Sunday’s strike.
“They burn us here, all Hezbollah strongholds should also burn and be destroyed. WAR!” Gvir wrote in a Telegram post.
The skirmishes between the IDF and Hezbollah have left tens of thousands to evacuate their homes in Israel and Lebanon.
Smoke rising from an Israeli airstrike on the Lebanese village of Khiam on June 5, 2024. Photo by RABIH DAHER/AFP via Getty ImagesHezbollah’s attacks have claimed the lives of 10 civilians and 14 IDF soldiers and reservists, according to the Israeli military.
The terror group has named 329 fighters who were killed by the IDF, with the Humans Rights Watch group estimating that at least 88 civilians in Lebanon have also been killed.
With Post wires
