Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of an emergency national security cabinet meeting this morning at IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv that Israel had destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rockets.
“This morning we discovered preparations by Hezbollah to attack Israel,” he said.
He added that in consultation with the Minister of Defense and the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), it was ordered that the army act proactively and eliminate the threat.
“Since then, the IDF has been working intensively to counter the threats. It has destroyed thousands of rockets aimed at the north of the country, thwarted many other threats, and is operating with great force – both defensively and offensively,” Netanyahu said.
He asks the public to follow instructions from the Command.
“We are determined to do everything to protect our country, to return the residents of the north safely to their homes. We will adhere to a simple rule: whoever harms us, we will harm them,” Netanyahu said.
His comments come amid rising tensions with Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group. Netanyahu asserted that Israel’s recent operations have successfully destroyed thousands of Hezbollah’s rockets, significantly diminishing their offensive capabilities.
In a televised statement, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself against any threats, particularly from groups like Hezbollah, which has a substantial arsenal of rockets capable of reaching deep into Israeli territory. “We will continue to take whatever actions are necessary to protect our citizens,” Netanyahu said.
The prime minister highlighted recent Israeli military operations, which he claims have resulted in the destruction of a large number of Hezbollah’s rocket stockpiles. While specific details of these operations were not disclosed, Israeli defense officials have previously reported intensified surveillance and preemptive strikes targeting Hezbollah’s weapon storage sites.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has long been considered one of Israel’s most formidable foes. The militant group is believed to have an arsenal comprising tens of thousands of rockets, many of which are stationed along the Lebanon-Israel border. The ongoing tension between Israel and Hezbollah has the potential to ignite into a broader regional conflict, a concern shared by international observers.
Netanyahu’s comments received mixed reactions domestically and internationally. Supporters argue that his firm stance is necessary to deter aggression from Hezbollah and other militant groups in the region. Critics, however, caution that escalating rhetoric and military actions could lead to wider conflict, further destabilizing the already volatile Middle East.
Lebanese officials have yet to respond to Netanyahu’s statements.
As tensions remain high, both Israel and Hezbollah appear to be preparing for the possibility of further escalations. The situation continues to draw attention from global powers, with calls for restraint and diplomatic solutions to prevent an outbreak of violence.
Netanyahu’s warning and the reported destruction of thousands of Hezbollah rockets underscore the fragile security situation in the region. As both sides brace for potential conflict, the international community watches closely, hoping to avert another cycle of violence in the Middle East.
