Jerusalem: Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant says that Israel has “no interest in war” with Hezbollah on its northern front and will prefer to maintain the current situation along the Lebanon border.
This statement comes in response to recent sporadic cross-border incidents between Israel and Lebanon, raising concerns about the potential for broader conflict amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Sirens sounded in northern Israel on Sunday afternoon, prompting residents to seek shelter, as the military intercepted five of nine rockets fired from Lebanon. In response, Israel conducted artillery fire on the area from which the rockets were launched.
Gallant emphasised Israel's desire to avoid a war in the north, saying: "If Hezbollah chooses the path of war, it will pay a very heavy price. But if it restrains itself, we will respect that and keep the situation as it is." He acknowledged that there have been exchanges of fire across the border in recent days.
However, just the previous day, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian warned Israel to cease its attacks on Gaza, cautioning that the ongoing conflict could expand to other parts of the Middle East if Hezbollah becomes involved, which would have significant consequences for Israel.
Amirabdollahian noted that Hezbollah has considered various conflict scenarios, and he urged Israel to halt its attacks on Gaza.
Israel views Hezbollah as its most immediate and serious threat, estimating that the group possesses a substantial arsenal of rockets and missiles, including precision-guided projectiles capable of targeting any part of Israel.
Hezbollah also boasts thousands of battle-hardened fighters with experience from the 12-year conflict in Syria, as well as diverse military drone capabilities.
Following a deadly attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on the previous Saturday, Hezbollah fighters have been on high alert along Lebanon's borders with Israel.