Netanyahu threatens “destruction like in Gaza” in Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened the Lebanese, this Tuesday (8), with destruction similar to that of Gaza if they do not “free” their country from Hezbollah. Netanyahu’s statement comes after the army intensified its ground offensive against the Shiite movement in the south and capital of Lebanon, affecting the entire population of the country.

“Free your country of Hezbollah so this war can end,” Netanyahu declared in an English-language video addressed to the Lebanese. “Don’t let these terrorists destroy your future any more than they already have,” he added.

“You have an opportunity to save Lebanon before it falls into the abyss of a long war that will lead to destruction and suffering as we see in Gaza. It doesn’t have to be like this,” said the leader of the Israeli far right.

He called on the Lebanese government to “take back your country” and put it back on a path of peace and prosperity, and said this is an opportunity for the country that has not occurred in decades.

The confrontation between Hezbollah and Israeli forces was triggered by the start of the Hamas-Israel conflict in the Gaza Strip, following attacks by the Sunni movement on Israeli soil on October 7, 2023.

Since then, more than 2,038 Lebanese have died in Israeli attacks, according to a report released this Monday (7) by the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The information published by Reuters says there are at least 9,869 injured. At least 250 Hezbollah fighters are among the dead.

In the 24 hours prior to the release, 22 deaths and 111 injuries were reported in various regions of Lebanon due to the bombings. Residents of Lebanese cities report intense airstrikes on the border with Israel, in addition to the sound of helicopters and drones flying over the area.

In comparative terms, the number of more than 2,000 dead exceeded the total number of deaths in the 2006 Lebanon war — when Israel also invaded the neighboring country to fight against Hezbollah. In just over a month, the 2006 conflict resulted in a total of 1,191 deaths, including civilians, soldiers and members of Hezbollah.

The Israeli government claims that the bombings are not targeting the State of Lebanon, but specific Hezbollah structures within Lebanese territory. However, as reported by Reuters the majority of those killed are civilians, according to the Lebanese government.