Israel Threatens to Respond if Hezbollah Joins Conflict with Hamas – Foreign Affairs Report
Israel warns of severe consequences for Iran and Hezbollah if they enter the conflict. Tensions rise as Israel prepares for a ground invasion of Gaza to neutralize Hamas. Israel's Minister of Economy, Nir Barkat, issues a stern message, emphasizing the nation's resolve to target Iran directly if provoked.
Israel Vows Military Response if Hezbollah Joins Conflict with Hamas
Israel has issued a strong warning, declaring its intention to take decisive action against Iran and Hezbollah should the Tehran-backed terror group, Hezbollah, become involved in the ongoing conflict. In an exclusive interview with The Mail on Sunday, Nir Barkat, Israel's Minister of Economy, asserted that Iran's Ayatollahs face annihilation if their proxy, Hezbollah, launches an attack on Israel.
Barkat's statements cast a shadow over the region, hinting at a potential rapid escalation of the conflict. This comes as Israel prepares for an anticipated ground invasion of the Gaza Strip with the objective of 'annihilating' Hamas. Thousands of Israeli troops are stationed along the borders of the territory, where Hamas, also supported by Iran, is holding approximately 200 hostages following the violent assault on southern Israel on October 7.
Concerns are mounting that Israel may be compelled to engage on two fronts, as Hezbollah and the Israel Defence Forces recently exchanged fire along Israel's northern border with Lebanon.
In a direct message aimed at dissuading Tehran from further involvement, Barkat cautioned that Israel would not only 'eliminate Hezbollah' in the event of the terror group initiating a 'northern front', but would also target Iran directly.
He emphasized, "The plan of Iran is to attack Israel on all fronts. If we find they intend to target Israel, we will not just retaliate to those fronts, but we will go to the head of the snake, which is Iran. The Ayatollahs in Iran are not going to sleep good at night, we are going to make sure they pay a heavy price if, God forbid, they open the northern front."
Barkat emphasized that both Lebanon and Hezbollah would face severe consequences, akin to what Hamas is anticipated to face. However, he asserted that this would not suffice, stating, "The very clear message is that we are going to be going after the heads of Iran as well. When will we do that? When we decide. Israel has a very clear message to our enemies. We are saying to them, look what's happening in Gaza – you are going to get the same treatment if you attack us. We are going to wipe you off the face of the Earth."
