Netanyahu Vows ‘Intense War’ Against Hezbollah if Ceasefire Broken
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, vowing an “intense war” should the current ceasefire be violated. Netanyahu’s remarks, made during an interview on Israel’s Channel 14 yesterday, came amidst escalating tensions along the volatile border between Israel and Lebanon.
“I have instructed the Israeli army to wage an ‘intense war’ against Hezbollah in the event of a ceasefire violation,” Netanyahu declared.
Finger-Pointing Along the Border
Both Israel and Hezbollah are accusing each other of breaching the ceasefire agreement that has been in place in Lebanon. Israel’s military reported that several individuals, some in vehicles, had advanced into areas within southern Lebanon.
Media reports and Lebanese security sources claim that Israeli tanks even shelled specific areas in the border strip. The Lebanese army has responded by asserting that Israel has repeatedly violated the ceasefire agreement on “multiple occasions.”
Netanyahu Issues Stark Warning to Iran
In the same interview, Netanyahu reiterated his unwavering commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“I am prepared to do “anything” to prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb,” Netanyahu stated emphatically. “In order to prevent Iran from becoming a “nuclear power,” it will “use all available means,” the prime minister added.
Houthi Militia Vows Continued Attacks on Israel
Thousands of miles away, the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen also issued threats against Israel, pledging to continue their attacks.
Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Houthi militia, stated that the group “is continuing the fight in all areas, including with military operations” against Israel.
How might the political context in Israel, both domestically and internationally, influence Prime Minister Netanyahu’s language regarding the possibility of “intense war”? [[1](https://classroom42.com/topics/conflict-in-the-middle-east-quiz/)]
Interviewer: “Joining us now is Dr. Emily Carter, a Middle Eastern conflict expert. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s words are strong. Do you think his threat of ‘intense war’ is a genuine warning or merely political rhetoric?”