Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz warned today, Saturday, that Israel is approaching a moment of comprehensive war in the north against Hezbollah. Katz stated that "Hezbollah has crossed the red line, and the Israeli response will be based on that."
Katz's remarks followed the killing and injury of several individuals as a result of a missile attack on the town of Majdal Shams in the occupied Golan Heights. The Israeli army accused Hezbollah of being behind the strike, but the group categorically denied this, according to its statement.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to consult immediately and to initiate war against Lebanon without delay. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said: "We will strike Hezbollah wherever we need to strike it."
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich added: "Nasrallah must be assassinated in response to the Majdal Shams attack, and all of Lebanon must pay the price." The Israeli Energy Minister stated: "Lebanon must burn."
On its part, UNIFIL stated: "We are in contact with Lebanese and Israeli authorities regarding the Majdal Shams incident in an effort to maintain calm."
The Israeli medical service, Magen David Adom, reported that 10 people were killed, and 30 others were injured, some of them critically. "Sky News Arabia" reported that the attack was executed with a missile that hit a soccer field.
The Israeli army commented on the incident in Majdal Shams, estimating that it was a heavy missile that was difficult to intercept, and stated that the reaction would be very strong. Israeli media quoted a source saying that "the northern incident will lead to a qualitative shift in the fight against Hezbollah."
For his part, Avigdor Lieberman, the leader of the "Israel Beitenu" party, stated that "Nasrallah is responsible for the deaths of many children in Majdal Shams, and it is time for him to pay the price." Meanwhile, National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz mentioned: "It is time to make a deal regarding Gaza and shift the military effort northward."
