Tel Aviv [Israel], June 19 (ANI): Tensions have once again erupted in West Asia despite a peace deal signed between the US and Iran. On Friday, the Israeli Air Force continued its attacks on Hezbollah infrastructure, striking targets in the Bekaa Valley.
Israeli Airstrikes in Bekaa Valley
The Israeli Air Force stated, "The Air Force struck a short time ago at Hezbollah terrorist organization infrastructure in the Bekaa Valley, this in response to repeated violations of the ceasefire by the Hezbollah terrorist organization, which continues to advance and carry out terror plots against IDF forces."
Israeli officials allege that Hezbollah violated the ceasefire when a suspected drone strike killed an IDF tank battalion commander and three other soldiers in southern Lebanon. The slain officer has been identified as Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, 32, commander of the 401st Armored Brigade's 52nd Battalion, from Beit HaShita.
Hezbollah Drone Attack Wounds Five Soldiers
According to the Times of Israel, in another Hezbollah attack on Thursday night, five soldiers were wounded, including one seriously. The IDF reported that an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah struck forces of the Commando Brigade in Kfar Tebnit.
With these fresh rounds of attacks and counterstrikes, the rhetoric from the Israeli side has become sharper. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir responded to the attacks by saying, "All of Lebanon must burn."
Ben Gvir's Statement
Gvir said in a post on X, "For every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep. All of Lebanon must burn! With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not forfeit. All of Lebanon must burn. Our supreme duty is to protect the citizens of Israel and the soldiers of the IDF, and this commitment takes precedence over every other consideration."
Gvir further stated that restraint is not a winning strategy and has conveyed this to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "I told the Prime Minister, even in our private meetings: For every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep. Enough with the ping-pong. In the Middle East, you don't win with measured responses and restraint--you need to go berserk. To obliterate. To crush the terror," Gvir said.
Continued Tensions in West Asia
With negotiations between the US and Iran now paused, the situation in West Asia remains volatile, and Israel is unlikely to call off its offensive in South Lebanon.
