Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat issued a warning on Sunday, stating that Israel would “eliminate” Hezbollah and target Iran if Palestinian militants open a “northern front.” In an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Barkat explained that Iran’s plan is to attack Israel on all fronts, and if they find that Iran intends to target their country, Israel will not only retaliate but will also go after the head of the snake – Iran itself. Barkat emphasized that the ayatollahs in Iran would not be able to sleep peacefully at night if they move against Israel.
Barkat further cautioned that Lebanon and the pro-Palestinian militant group Hezbollah would pay a heavy price, similar to what Hamas is experiencing. He asserted that Israel has a clear message to its enemies, stating, “Look what’s happening in Gaza – you are going to get the same treatment if you attack us. We are going to wipe you off the face of the Earth.”
The statement by Barkat comes in response to Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian’s remarks on Monday, where he warned that the security situation for Israel could deteriorate rapidly if the war crimes against Palestinians are not immediately stopped. Amir-Abdollahian stated that if mistreatment continues, multiple fronts will open, and the region will go out of control. He emphasized that the situation could have far-reaching repercussions.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah have been engaging in repeated fire exchanges since the conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas broke out earlier this month. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also warned on Sunday that Hezbollah would face unprecedented destruction if it officially joins the war against Israel.
Israel has a history of large-scale incursions into Lebanon to combat militants, with the most recent invasion occurring in 2006. The current conflict began on October 7 when Hamas and allied Palestinian groups launched attacks on multiple Israeli settlements, prompting Israel to initiate airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. The ongoing violence has resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis and more than 4,300 Palestinians, according to officials from both sides.
In response to the escalating tensions, the United States has announced plans to deploy additional air defense systems near Israel. These systems aim to provide enhanced protection against potential attacks. The situation in the region remains volatile, with both sides expressing their determination to defend their respective interests. As the conflict continues, the international community closely monitors the developments and hopes for a peaceful resolution.
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