Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Lebanon on Wednesday, stating that Israel is “prepared to take very strong action in the north.”
Netanyahu made these remarks during a visit to Kiryat Shmona, a town near the Lebanese border, amid intensified clashes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah forces stationed in southern Lebanon.
The Prime Minister’s comments, reported by the “Times of Israel,” emphasized Israel’s readiness to respond to any aggression.
“Anyone who thinks they can harm us and that we will sit idly by is making a grave mistake,” Netanyahu asserted.
Earlier this week, large fires broke out in northern Israel, some of which were caused by rocket and drone attacks launched by Hezbollah.
Netanyahu addressed firefighters, acknowledging their efforts: “The ground burned yesterday, and I am glad you extinguished it, but the ground also burned in Lebanon.”
The recent escalation follows a pattern of long-standing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon.
The conflict has seen periodic flare-ups since the 2006 Lebanon War, often resulting in cross-border attacks and significant civilian casualties on both sides.
Kiryat Shmona, a town in northern Israel, has been particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to the Lebanese border.
Residents have frequently faced the threat of rocket attacks and infiltrations by Hezbollah fighters.
The Israeli government has consistently vowed to defend its northern communities and deter Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
