Israeli Government Sanctions Attack on Hezbollah, Pledges Total Eradication of Terror Group

Israel has approved an offensive military campaign against Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed terrorist group in southern Lebanon. This move marks a significant escalation as Israel transitions to the next phase of its war against Islamic terrorism following the October 7 massacre by Hamas.

This week, Hezbollah released a video claiming to showcase their new advanced military capabilities, including drone surveillance over Israel. Hezbollah's leader, Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, boasted about the group's "new weapons," threatening Israel and its allies without specifying the details.

"When the decision is made, they will be seen on the front lines," Nasrallah declared. He also issued threats against Cyprus for its support of Israel, vowing to "deliberately target" everything within Israel's borders if an offensive campaign is launched.

Since the October 7 attack, Hezbollah has fired over 5,000 rockets, missiles, and drones at Israel, displacing hundreds of thousands of Israelis in the northern regions. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they have validated and approved plans for an offensive campaign in Lebanon aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah.

"As part of the situational assessment, operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon were approved and validated, and decisions were taken on the continuation of increasing the readiness of troops in the field," the IDF stated.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Nasrallah, emphasizing the severe consequences of an all-out war. Katz highlighted the potential devastation for both Hezbollah and Lebanon, while reaffirming Israel's resolve and military capabilities.

"We are very close to the moment of decision to change the rules against Hezbollah and Lebanon. In an all-out war, Hezbollah will be destroyed, and Lebanon will be severely hit. The State of Israel will pay a price on the front and home fronts, but with a strong and united nation, and the full power of the IDF, we will restore security to the residents of the north," Katz asserted.

Joe Truzman, a senior research analyst at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, commented on Nasrallah's threats, highlighting the likely devastating retaliation from Israel.

"The Hezbollah chief’s inflammatory rhetoric, laced with warnings and threats against Israel (including Cyprus), barely acknowledges a crucial aspect: Israel would retaliate with devastating consequences for Hezbollah and Lebanon," Truzman explained. "By hardly recognizing this reality, Nasrallah’s words lose their bite."

Truzman emphasized that while a war between Israel and Lebanon would be catastrophic for both sides, Hezbollah's aggressive actions on October 8 set off the current chain of events, escalating the precarious situation.

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