Israeli Defense Minister: If Hezbollah Acts on Its Threats, Lebanon Will Pay a Heavy Price

Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, warned Lebanon on Wednesday that if Hezbollah acts on its threats of 'heavy revenge' against Israel for the killing of a senior commander of the group, Lebanon will pay a heavy price. Gallant referred to Fouad Shukr, the military commander of Hezbollah in Beirut, who was killed in an Israeli attack last week. Israel has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on Shukr, identifying him as the perpetrator of a deadly attack on northern Israel that killed 12 Israeli children. According to the Times of Israel, Gallant said during a visit to army soldiers, 'Nasrallah may lead Lebanon down a path that has an extraordinarily heavy price. They cannot even imagine what might happen.' Gallant added, 'The situation may worsen and lead to war. This is not speculation; it is real.' Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a meeting with military personnel on Wednesday, urged them to remain patient and calm. He stated, 'We are prepared for both defense and attack, we will strike our enemies, and we are determined to defend ourselves.' According to Reuters, as Israel anticipates an attack from the Islamic Republic and its proxy groups, the Israeli national ambulance service has collected blood reserves in a fortified underground center, factories have removed their hazardous materials, and city officials are reviewing bomb shelters and water resources. Israel has been strengthening its home front for months and has been preparing security measures since the onset of the war in Gaza last October. However, in the past ten days, following threats from the Islamic Republic and escalating tensions with Hezbollah, it has intensified its efforts. Israel is engaged in conflict with several groups supported by the Islamic Republic, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen. Following threats from the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah regarding retaliation for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas in Tehran, and Fouad Shukr, the military commander of Hezbollah in Beirut, an attack is expected in the coming days. In April, the Islamic Republic also attacked Israel with dozens of drones and missiles, which were neutralized by the country's air defense and the assistance of Israel's international allies. According to Reuters, despite tens of thousands having evacuated from northern Israel since the onset of the Gaza war last October and many border areas now being deserted, Hezbollah's missile attacks could reach sensitive targets such as the port city of Haifa in northern Israel. The three-story underground 'Rambam' hospital in this city has been on standby since last October. The Israeli army is also on alert, and at the end of last week, it strengthened its nationwide air raid siren and warning systems to send immediate text messages to residents of targeted areas. Local councils have advised residents to reduce non-essential activities, stay near protected areas, and avoid large gatherings. In Haifa, bomb shelters have been equipped with digital systems to allow remote unlocking during an attack. They are also being outfitted with generators. Last Thursday, the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection began an assessment to find the best way to protect factories containing hazardous materials. The Bank of Israel has also announced that cash reserves will be sufficient. Macron in a call with physicians: 'We must end the cycle of violence.' Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket fire; Israel has urged residents of northern Gaza to evacuate the area. Germany has warned its citizens: 'Leave Lebanon immediately.' Warning to proxies; U.S. Defense Secretary: The United States will not tolerate attacks on its forces in the Middle East.