Israeli Foreign Minister's Reaction to Islamic Republic's Threat: A Regime That Threatens Destruction Deserves Destruction

Following the escalation of tensions between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel, and the Islamic Republic's reaction threatening Israel with a 'destructive war,' Israel's Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz wrote in a post on social media platform 'X': 'A regime that threatens destruction deserves destruction.' He stated, 'The Islamic Republic of Iran threatens to destroy this country if Israel responds fully to Hezbollah's attacks.' He added, 'My response to the Islamic Republic is clear: if Hezbollah does not stop its attacks and withdraw from southern Lebanon until security is established and residents can return to their homes, we will act with full force against it.' Previously, Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations had warned in a post on 'X' that if Israel engages in a 'full-scale military invasion' against Hezbollah, 'a destructive war will occur.' The warning on Friday, July 8, came amid rising tensions at the Israel-Lebanon border and following Israeli army attacks on Hezbollah positions in response to this Iranian proxy group's attacks on Israel. Shortly after the October 15 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel, Hezbollah, as the main proxy arm of the Islamic Republic, began sporadic missile and drone attacks on northern Israel, resulting in nearly 60,000 Israeli citizens being evacuated from areas adjacent to Lebanon. The United States, Europe, and Arab mediators are attempting to prevent the escalation of cross-border attacks between Israel and Hezbollah into a larger regional war. Martin Griffiths, the UN humanitarian affairs chief, used the term 'apocalyptic' to describe the war between Israel and Hezbollah. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also stated in a recent meeting with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant at the Pentagon, 'Such a war would be catastrophic for Lebanon.' According to him, 'Another war between Israel and Hezbollah could easily turn into a regional war with horrific consequences for the Middle East.' Gallant also mentioned in this meeting, 'We are closely working towards reaching a cooperation agreement, but we must also discuss preparedness for every possible scenario.' Experts believe that the Islamic Republic and its proxies will respond more severely to Israel's war against Hezbollah compared to the war in Gaza. The U.S. and Europe have warned Hezbollah to cease attacks on Israel. The Islamic Republic claims that a full-scale war by Israel against Hezbollah would initiate a 'destructive war.' Tensions at the Israel-Lebanon border have intensified, with Hezbollah launching 40 rockets. Concerns are rising over the 'escalation of tensions in the region,' with Netanyahu accusing the Islamic Republic of attempting to 'conquer the Middle East.' The U.S. embassy in Beirut has advised American citizens to reconsider travel to Lebanon due to a complex security environment. Germany and the Netherlands have warned their citizens to 'immediately' leave Lebanon, citing an increased likelihood of war between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli Defense Minister warned Hezbollah that they could return Lebanon to the 'Stone Age.' The likelihood of war between Israel and Hezbollah is increasing, with Erdogan stating that they support Lebanon. The Israeli representative at the UN stated that they will pay the price for a full-scale war.