Israel threatened on Tuesday to "return Lebanon to the stone age" in any war against Hezbollah, following weeks of friction with the armed Iranian-backed group along the countries' border.
"Do not make a mistake. We do not want a war. But we are prepared to protect our civilians, our soldiers and our sovereignty," Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a statement, his remarks intended for Hezbollah.
Such rhetoric has been heard from both sides since the last Israel-Hezbollah war, in 2006. But it has become more pointed since a roadside bombing in Israel in March, which it blamed on a Hezbollah infiltrator, Reuters said.
The group did not claim responsibility for the bombing.
Recent weeks have seen face-offs between Lebanese civilians, at least one group of Hezbollah operatives and Israeli troops across the fortified frontier.
Israel Threatens to 'Return Lebanon to Stone Age' in any War with Hezbollah
A Lebanese army officer briefs representatives of the five permanent UN Security Council member nations about the border situation with Israel near Naqura in southern Lebanon on August 8, 2023. (Photo by ANWAR AMRO / AFP)
Israel Threatens to 'Return Lebanon to Stone Age' in any War with Hezbollah
A Lebanese army officer briefs representatives of the five permanent UN Security Council member nations about the border situation with Israel near Naqura in southern Lebanon on August 8, 2023. (Photo by ANWAR AMRO / AFP)
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