Hezbollah has pulled Lebanon into the warfare between Israel and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said on Tuesday at the Palmachim Airbase in the city of Yavne.
Netanyahu, who visited the base alongside Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, received an operational briefing and chatted with UAV operators and the technical teams.
The PM praised them for their actions since Operation Roaring Lion commenced, and for protecting the citizens of Israel while “striking the murderers and their dispatchers in Iran.”
Noting that the aerial assault in Iran proceeds “with great force,” Netanyahu said the combat has been extended to Lebanon in response to the recent activities by Hezbollah.
“Hezbollah made a very grave mistake when it attacked us.” he said. “We have already responded with great force, and we will respond with even greater, additional force.”
Netanyahu told the government and the people of Lebanon to understand that the paramilitary organization caused Israel’s latest military action in their domain.
“Hezbollah is dragging them into a war that is not theirs, solely because of the death of that mass murderer with whom they have no connection,” the premier added.
Netanyahu advised Lebanese nationals to “look out for themselves,” stating that Israel will continue to do what is necessary for its defense. Operation Roaring Lion is on the fifth day.
On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded to the controversy over the timing of the start of Operation Epic Fury and whether America or Israel decided to strike Iran first.
“The President acted on the timing that gave us the highest chance of success, and that’s what you’re seeing play out right now,” Rubio said at a press conference.
The Secretary underscored that the goals of the ongoing mission are to destroy Iran’s missile program, factories, navy, and “their ability to sponsor terrorism.”
“Those objectives are going to be met. There will be a price to pay for it, but that is a much lower price to pay than having a nuclear-armed Iran,” Rubio added.
The Pentagon has identified four of the American service members killed in the war: Capt. Cody Khork, 35; Sgt. Declan Coady, 20; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, and Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42.
Hezbollah dragged Lebanon into Israel-Iran war – Netanyahu
