Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Wednesday that Israel is prepared to deliver an “extremely powerful” response to the increasing attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon. This statement comes as tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border have significantly escalated in recent days, leading to multiple casualties and widespread evacuations.
Netanyahu’s warning followed his visit to Kiryat Shmona, a northern city near the Lebanese border, which has seen heavy attacks from Hezbollah. “Anyone who thinks that they can harm us and that we will sit on our hands is sorely mistaken,” Netanyahu declared. Kiryat Shmona has been largely evacuated since October 8 due to the near-daily assaults by the Lebanon-based militant group.
Later on Wednesday, at least 11 Israelis were wounded, including one critically, in an attack claimed by Hezbollah involving explosive-laden drones in the Druze-majority town of Hurfeish, several kilometers from the Lebanon border. The attack reportedly involved multiple drones targeting both civilians and rescue crews.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated it was investigating the failure of sirens to sound during the drone attack on Hurfeish. Hezbollah claimed the assault was in retaliation for recent deadly IDF strikes in southern Lebanon, including one in Naqoura that killed a Hezbollah member.
Netanyahu, speaking at a Jerusalem Day event, reiterated Israel’s commitment to restoring calm in the north. He emphasized that Israel is fighting back against Iran and its proxies. “We can’t accept the continuation of the situation in the north; it won’t continue,” Netanyahu said. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also called on the international community to take action against Hezbollah and Iran to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi indicated that the Israeli military is ready for significant action in the north, having completed extensive training. “We are prepared… to move to an attack in the north. Strong defense, readiness to attack, we are approaching a decision point,” Halevi said.
Hezbollah’s second-in-command, Naim Qassem, stated that their actions are in support of Gaza and will not cease until the conflict there ends. He added that while Hezbollah does not seek an all-out war, it is prepared for one if necessary.
The ongoing conflict has led to numerous casualties and significant displacement on both sides. The IDF reports that approximately 300 Hezbollah fighters and around 80 civilians in Lebanon have been killed by Israeli fire. On the Israeli side, 10 civilians and 18 soldiers have died. The conflict has displaced over 94,000 Lebanese and 53,000 Israelis from border areas.
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