Israel Says it Can No Longer 'Accept' Hezbollah on Its Northern Border, Threatens Same Fate as Hamas
In a situation that’s ramping up tensions in the Middle East, Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel’s national security adviser, has sent a clear message about the situation at Israel’s northern border.
He’s put a spotlight on the presence of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, a group backed by Iran, and he’s saying Israel can’t stand for it anymore.
This tough talk comes after the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7.
That attack forced thousands of Israelis from their homes in the north of the country.
It seems like this attack has really made Israel think hard about the threats it faces from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, both of which get support from Iran.
In an interview, Hanegbi really got down to the heart of the issue.
He brought up a 2006 U.N. Security Council resolution, number 1701, which says Hezbollah shouldn’t be within about 20 miles of Israel’s border.
But it looks like that’s not being followed, and he’s not happy about it.
He said, “We can no longer accept [Hezbollah’s elite] Radwan force sitting on the border. We can no longer accept Resolution 1701 not being implemented.”
Hanegbi’s words show Israel is at a turning point.
They could go for a peaceful solution, but they’re also ready for tougher actions if needed.
This is all about keeping their country safe. He made it clear, saying, “The situation in the north must be changed. And it will change.”
There’s a real sense of fear in Israel about Hezbollah.
Hanegbi highlighted that there are thousands of Hezbollah fighters really close to Israel’s northern border.
He’s worried they could do something similar to what Hamas did on October 7, when they killed 1,200 Israelis.
Israel’s leaders, like Prime Minister Netanyahu, have been upfront about what they’ll do if Hezbollah gets aggressive.
Comparing it to their actions against Hamas in Gaza, Netanyahu warned, “If Hezbollah chooses to start an all-out war, then it will single-handedly turn Beirut and South Lebanon, not far from here, into Gaza and Khan Yunis.”
This whole situation shows how critical things are right now in that region.
Hezbollah has a choice – to talk it out or face the consequences.
Israel’s message is pretty clear: they’re done with terrorist threats near their borders, and they’re ready to do what it takes to keep their country secure.
