Israeli officials repeat their threats directed at Lebanon and Hezbollah daily, the latest coming today, Sunday. During a meeting of the Israeli war cabinet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued new threats to Hezbollah, stating: "Hamas has learned in recent months. I suggest that Hezbollah learn from what happened." Netanyahu added, "We will continue the war until we achieve a decisive victory. I say this to both our enemies and friends. We will not stop the war until we complete all our objectives. On the northern front, we will work to achieve security through diplomacy or force."
For his part, Benny Gantz, the Israeli minister in the war cabinet, announced today that there must be an urgent solution to the inability of residents in northern Israel to return to their homes. He pointed out that Israel is interested in a diplomatic solution, and if none exists, the Israeli army will work to eliminate the threat. Gantz wrote that "Hezbollah is the organization that began the escalation. Israel is interested in a diplomatic solution, but if one is not found, Israel and the Israeli army will remove the threat." He stated that all "members of the war cabinet share this view. The only consideration here is the security of Israel, and nothing else."
Eitan Davidi, head of the Moshav Margaliot, said today that if Hezbollah bombards the cities of Haifa or Tel Aviv, the Israeli army would attack Beirut. In a conversation on Israeli radio "104.5 FM," Davidi discussed the significant damage inflicted by Hezbollah on a farm located in his settlement that is responsible for food production for large organizations in Israel. He added, "We promised Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant that he would return Lebanon to the Stone Age... What happened is that Hezbollah is the one who has returned us to the Stone Age." He concluded, "Hezbollah does not want war... You know why they don't want it, because they have reached the fence and forced all residents of the north to leave their homes, so why would they engage in this battle?"
