Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jun 19: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday warned that Israel would impose a “very heavy price” on Hezbollah following an attack in southern Lebanon that killed four Israeli soldiers and injured several others.
Expressing condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers, Netanyahu said Israel would not tolerate attacks on its military personnel or its territory and had already ordered a forceful response.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu paid tribute to Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, commander of the Armored Corps’ 52nd Battalion, and three other soldiers whose identities have not yet been officially released.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and wish a speedy recovery to those injured during yesterday’s exchange of fire,” he said.
Describing Hezbollah’s actions as a serious breach of the ceasefire agreement, Netanyahu said he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to launch extensive retaliatory operations.
According to him, Israeli forces carried out strikes on more than 80 Hezbollah-linked targets and killed dozens of militants. Additional attacks were later launched against Hezbollah command centres in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley.
The Prime Minister also held a high-level security assessment meeting with Defence Ministry officials and the Chief of General Staff to review the situation.
“My instructions are clear. Israel will not accept attacks on its soldiers or its territory, and Hezbollah will pay a very heavy price for these actions,” Netanyahu said.
He also reiterated that Israeli troops would continue to remain inside the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to safeguard communities in northern Israel.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has publicly urged Israel to exercise greater restraint in its military operations in Lebanon.
Speaking at a press conference following the G7 Summit in France on Wednesday, Trump said he supports Israel’s security concerns but believes a more measured response would help reduce tensions in the region.
“We have a little dispute over Lebanon,” Trump said while referring to his discussions with Netanyahu.
“I told Bibi that a softer approach may be needed. You don’t have to destroy a building every time someone connected to Hezbollah enters it,” he said.
Trump also suggested that the recently announced agreement involving Iran could create an opportunity to address unresolved issues in Lebanon and help stabilise the wider region.
The exchange highlights growing international attention on the escalating tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, where fears remain that further retaliatory actions could trigger a broader regional conflict.