Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has threatened Hezbollah with a potential ground invasion of Lebanon that would be “quick, surprising, and sharp,” as Israel’s military and the Lebanese armed group continue to trade fire across the border, media reported on Wednesday.
Speaking to servicemen during a visit to Israel’s northern border, Gallant said the country is “approaching a decision-making crossroad,” and the outcome would largely depend on Hezbollah’s actions.
“We are waging a limited war in the northern region. We are using a small part of the IDF’s power, but things can change in an instant, from a main effort in the south to a main effort in the north, and it will be quick, surprising, and very sharp,” the outlet quoted Gallant as saying.
He added, however, that Israel is ready to negotiate with Hezbollah, as the growing tensions have caused concerns of a spillover into an all-out war in the Middle East.
“If Hezbollah wants to reach an agreement with us and reach a situation where it withdraws from the border line to areas beyond the Litani River as stipulated by the UN resolution, then we will reach an agreement with it,” Gallant said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last month that he would pull some IDF units out of Gaza and move them to the Lebanese border, stoking fears of an imminent invasion of Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, warned on Wednesday the group will “launch missiles at settlements that were not previously targeted,” if Israel continues to “target” civilians in Lebanon.
Eight civilians, including three children, were killed in Israeli air strikes in Lebanon earlier this week, according to Lebanese media. Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), shows that Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more 500 people, while Hezbollah and other armed groups were responsible for attacks that killed at least 21 Israelis.
The situation has escalated since the start of the Israeli offensive in Gaza last October. The IDF and Hezbollah have been increasingly exchanging fire along the border. The militant group says it is striking Israel in solidarity with Palestinian armed group Hamas.
The escalation comes against the backdrop of the Israeli operation in Gaza which, according to the Palestinian health authorities, has killed nearly 38,800 people since October. Israel began the operation following a cross-border incursion by Hamas, in which at least 1,200 people were killed and 250 were taken hostage. Around 116 captives are believed to still be held in Gaza.