Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Wednesday warned that if Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shiite terrorist group based in Lebanon, would attack Israel, "Lebanon will tremble."
Speaking at an event making the 39th anniversary of the 1982 First Lebanon War, Gantz – in an apparent response to in 1982, to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's belligerence from the day before – said, "We are ready as ever to protect Israeli citizens. If an attack comes from the north, Lebanon will tremble."
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Warning that "the houses in which weapons and terrorist operatives are being hidden will become rubble," the defense minister said Israel's "list of targets for Lebanon is bigger and more significant than the one for Gaza, and the score is ready to be settled if necessary."
On Tuesday, Nasrallah threatened that "any violation of Jerusalem" would lead to a "regional war" and "the destruction of Israel."
His morbid, cough-laden appearance gave rise to speculations about his health. Israeli defense officials believe Nasrallah, 60, may have contracted the coronavirus.
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Commenting on incendiary remarks made Tuesday by Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar, Gantz explained that Israel wished to see a Gaza rebuilt, but the IDF "would not hesitate to respond" if Hamas provokes it again.
The defense minister added that Israel would not permit Gaza's reconstruction until Hamas released two Israeli civilians – Avraham Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed – and returns the remains of two Israeli soldiers – Lt. Hadar Goldin and St.-Sgt. Oron Shaul – killed during Operation Protective Edge in 2014.
This article was first published by i24NEWS.
