Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to exact a "very heavy price" from Hezbollah following a deadly drone strike that killed four Israeli soldiers, including a tank battalion commander, in southern Lebanon. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, was described by Netanyahu as a "blatant violation of the ceasefire."
Netanyahu Condemns Attack, Orders Full Force Response
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Netanyahu extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. He identified the commander as Lieutenant Colonel Dor Gadliah Ben Simhon of the 52nd Armored Battalion, while the names of the other three fighters have not yet been released. Netanyahu also wished a full recovery to those wounded in the exchange of fire.
"Following the heinous attack by Hezbollah, which was a blatant violation of the ceasefire, I instructed the IDF last night to strike Hezbollah with full force," Netanyahu wrote. He confirmed that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) successfully attacked more than 80 terrorist targets and eliminated dozens of militants in response to the breach.
IDF Strikes Continue in Bekaa Valley
Netanyahu added that Israeli operations continued on Friday morning with a strike on Hezbollah headquarters in the Bekaa Valley. The IDF stated that the strikes were a response to Hezbollah's "repeated violations of the ceasefire" and its ongoing efforts to advance and carry out terror plots against Israeli forces.
According to the Israeli Air Force, the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in the Bekaa Valley. The IDF also reported that five soldiers were wounded in another Hezbollah attack on Thursday night, including one seriously, when an explosive drone struck forces of the Commando Brigade in Kfar Tebnit.
Netanyahu Reaffirms Commitment to Security Zone
Following a situation assessment with the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the General Staff, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel will not tolerate threats to its territory or military personnel. He affirmed that Israeli forces will maintain a presence in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect communities in northern Israel.
"My directive is clear: Israel will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers or our territory, and it will exact a very heavy price from Hezbollah for these attacks," Netanyahu stated. He emphasized that Israel will remain in the security zone to protect northern settlements.
Regional Impact and Continued Hostilities
The strikes on Friday killed at least 16 people and left several more injured in Lebanon, according to Al Jazeera. Despite the Iran-US deal calling for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, the strikes continued. The IDF accused Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire multiple times, prompting the ongoing military response.
The incident underscores the fragile security situation in southern Lebanon and the broader region, with tensions remaining high between Israel and Hezbollah. Netanyahu's firm stance signals a continued aggressive posture against the militant group, with the IDF prepared to act against any perceived threats.
