Israel Warns Lebanese People: We Will Respond with Full Force to Hezbollah's Escalation

On Thursday night, August 9, the Israeli security cabinet held a meeting in Tel Aviv as the country prepared for a potential attack by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group. Concurrently, Israel's Defense Minister warned the Lebanese people that if Hezbollah continues its "escalation of tensions," Israel will confront the group "with full force." According to the 'Times of Israel,' the security cabinet met in the underground command room at the 'Kiriya' military headquarters, marking the first such meeting since the drone and missile attack by Iran in the early hours of April 14 this year. The meeting was reportedly a "drill for a potential emergency situation." Meanwhile, Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, issued a warning in Arabic on social media to the Lebanese people, stating that if Hezbollah continues to escalate tensions, Israel will fight the group "with all its power." He wrote that the Israeli government seeks to establish peace, prosperity, and stability on both sides of the border with Lebanon and will not allow Hezbollah militants to destabilize the border and region. Gallant also referenced Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, and his "regret" following the "dangerous and uncalculated adventure of August 2006," urging the Lebanese people to "remember" it. This refers to the 34-day conflict that began with the abduction of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah. He added, "Those who play with fire should expect destruction." Meanwhile, the Israeli army announced on the battlefield that its jets and drones carried out several attacks in southern Lebanon, targeting an operational cell, a rocket launcher, buildings used by Hezbollah, and other infrastructure in five areas. The 'Times of Israel' reported that the country has been preparing for an attack by Hezbollah since the killing of Foad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander, in Beirut. At the same time, Israel has faced threats from the Iranian government for retaliatory actions following the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, another Iran-backed group, in Tehran, although the country has not claimed responsibility for Haniyeh's death. According to Channel 12 of Israeli television, the army is prepared to respond significantly to any attack wherever necessary, "not just in Lebanon." The report also noted that the United States has increased its military presence in the region, sending more fighter jets and warships to the Middle East to counter threats from Iran and its proxy groups. Additionally, Washington is pursuing extensive diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region.