Video: Netanyahu: Israel ready for “very strong action” on Lebanon front

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the northern settlement of Kiryat Shmona on Wednesday, stressing Israel’s preparedness to take “decisive” measures against threats originating from Lebanon.

During his visit, Netanyahu inspected an observation point and was briefed on the recent fires caused by Hezbollah attacks and the efforts to combat them.

“At the start of the war, we committed to restoring security both in the south and the north — and we have achieved that,” Netanyahu stated. “Today, I am here at the northern border with our brave soldiers and commanders, and with the firefighters. Yesterday, there were fires here, which you managed to extinguish. But the fires also raged in Lebanon.”

Netanyahu also issued a stern warning against any attacks on Israel, saying, “Anyone who thinks they can harm us and we will remain passive is making a grave mistake. We are prepared for very strong action in the north. One way or another, we will restore security to the north.”

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated over the past week, with Israel conducting multiple strikes deeper into Lebanese territory.

Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have recently called for immediate measures to ensure the security of northern Israel.

“They burn us here, all Hezbollah strongholds should also burn and be destroyed. WAR!” Ben Gvir stated in a Telegram post on Tuesday.

On Monday, Smotrich remarked, “We must extend the security zone from within Israeli territory in the Galilee to southern Lebanon, including a ground invasion, occupation of the territory, and pushing Hezbollah terrorists and hundreds of thousands of Lebanese civilians who harbor them to the other side of the Litani River,” which is approximately 30 kilometers north of the border.

Since early October, the conflict has resulted in at least 455 deaths in Lebanon, mostly fighters but including 88 civilians, according to an AFP tally. On the Israeli side, the army has reported at least 14 soldiers and 11 civilian casualties.