Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued a stark warning to Lebanon on Thursday, cautioning that if the Hezbollah militia continues its aggression, Israel will respond with “full force.”
In an unusual direct message to the Lebanese public, Gallant emphasized Israel’s commitment to peace, prosperity, and stability on both sides of the northern border.
He declared that Israel would not tolerate Hezbollah destabilizing the region and asserted that continued aggression would be met with severe retaliation.
Gallant’s warning comes in the wake of escalating tensions following the assassination of Palestinian Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the killing of senior Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukr.
Both Iran and Hezbollah, alongside Hamas, have threatened retaliation against Israel, raising concerns of a larger regional conflict.
Since the Palestinian group attacked Israel on October 7, which ignited the Gaza War, Hezbollah has been engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire with Israeli forces in support of its ally, Hamas.
This ongoing conflict has led to significant civilian casualties on both sides of the border, with over 350 Hezbollah members and Israeli soldiers reported dead, and thousands of residents displaced.
The situation remains volatile as both Hezbollah and Israel continue to exchange fire, and the prospect of further escalation looms.
