We will strike Lebanon hard if Hezbollah attacks Israel – Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that if Hezbollah were to launch an attack on Israel, Israel would respond by striking Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a warning, expressing concern that if Hezbollah were to become involved in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Lebanon would face severe devastation as a consequence.

On Sunday, Netanyahu addressed troops stationed near the Lebanese border and emphasised that Hezbollah would be making a grave mistake if it attacked Israel.

Netanyahu was on a visit to the 89th “Oz” Brigade, also known as the “Commando Brigade,” in the northern region of the country. This brigade is exclusively focused on special operations.

Netanyahu addressed the troops, stating that if Hezbollah chose to join the war, it would not fare well, implying that the defeat it experienced in the 2006 campaign would be insignificant compared to what it would face.

“If Hezbollah decides to enter the war, it will miss the Second Lebanon War,” Netanyahu told the troops.

“It will make the mistake of its life. We will cripple it with a force it cannot even imagine, and the meaning for it and the Lebanese state would be devastating,” he added.

Netanyahu was provided with a comprehensive briefing by Col. Omer Cohen, the commander of the brigade, and the commander of the Maglan Unit. The Maglan Unit specialises in conducting operations behind enemy lines and in hostile territories, utilising advanced technologies and weaponry.

Under fire PM

Netanyahu has come under fire for his handling of the Israeli-Hamas conflict and for his attitude towards the media since the start of the conflict.

Netanyahu has always been clear about his desired political epitaph. In 2016, during an interview with journalist Fareed Zakaria, he expressed his desire to be remembered as the protector of Israel.

“I would like to be remembered as the protector of Israel,” he told the journalist. “That’s enough for me.”

For over a decade, the longest-serving Israeli prime minister has consistently reiterated this statement in both English and Hebrew. He has presented this as the central case to the Israeli people, which is seen as a compelling argument even by some of his critics. He would imply that while the Israeli people may not like or trust him, he is the only one capable of ensuring their safety.

The October 7th attack by Hamas has seriously put into doubt his ability to protect Israel.