ALBAWABA - Israeli far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir called for a dramatic escalation against Lebanon on Friday, offering harsh statements following increased violence along the Israel-Lebanon border.
In a post on X, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich wrote: "A rough morning. The time for harsh words has come. Open the gates of hell."
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir went farther, asking for serious action against Lebanon.
"For every tear shed by an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers should shed tears," Ben Gvir stated. "All of Lebanon must burn."
He added that, "with all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our children and the security of our citizens are not worthless. All of Lebanon must burn."
Ben Gvir stated that defending Israeli civilians and military must take precedence over all other concerns and said he had expressed the same idea to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during private meetings.
The remarks came amid growing tensions on the southern Lebanon front. According to the Israeli military, recent battles resulted in the deaths of four Israeli troops and injuries to nearly 20 more.
Meanwhile, Lebanon's National News Agency said that roughly 16 people were killed in Israeli attacks targeting the Nabatieh district in southern Lebanon.
The current comments by Ben Gvir and Smotrich are likely to deepen concerns over a broader regional escalation, particularly as diplomatic efforts continue to seek calm following recent tensions involving Iran, Israel, and Lebanon.
