Israel has issued a stark warning to Lebanon amid escalating tensions, stating that it could send its northern neighbor "back to the Stone Age" if war were to erupt. This declaration was made by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who emphasized Israel's capability to inflict severe damage while simultaneously expressing a desire to avoid conflict.
Gallant's comments came during a press briefing in Washington, DC, where he outlined Israel's preparedness for various scenarios. "We do not want war, but we are preparing for every scenario," Gallant stated. "Hezbollah understands very well that we can inflict massive damage in Lebanon if a war is launched. Israel is capable of taking Lebanon back to the Stone Age, but we don’t want to do it."
These remarks reflect the severe potential consequences of a conflict that has seen the border between Israel and Lebanon experience daily exchanges of fire. These hostilities have intensified since the current conflict in Gaza began. The situation has been further aggravated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that Israel is preparing for "a very tense operation" on the Lebanese border, heightening fears of a full-blown war.
Hezbollah, the Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group, has also escalated its rhetoric. Its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has warned that any major Israeli offensive against Lebanon would result in a war with "no restraint and no rules and no ceilings." This mutual exchange of threats has contributed to a precarious situation that has drawn international concern.
The United Nations' humanitarian affairs chief, Martin Griffiths, has warned that a war between Israel and Lebanon would be "potentially apocalyptic," given the broader regional implications. Such a conflict could draw in Syria and other countries, exacerbating the already volatile situation in the Middle East. Griffiths stressed the catastrophic humanitarian consequences that such a war would entail, urging all parties to seek de-escalation.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also weighed in, highlighting the severe repercussions a war with Hezbollah could have on the region. During discussions with Gallant, Austin urged a diplomatic resolution to prevent another devastating conflict. A U.S. official further indicated that Washington is engaged in "fairly intensive conversations" with Israel, Lebanon, and other actors, emphasizing that no side is seeking a "major escalation."
The volatile situation on the ground has been marked by multiple incidents of violence. Lebanon's National News Agency reported about ten Israeli attacks on areas near the frontier, including one that destroyed a building in Nabatiyeh, wounding five people. In response, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for six attacks against Israeli military positions in the border region.
In addition to discussing the immediate threats, Gallant also addressed the broader context of Israel’s military strategy and post-war planning. He discussed his proposals for the governance of post-war Gaza with senior U.S. officials, a process he described as "long and complex" involving local Palestinians, regional partners, and the U.S. This reflects ongoing concerns about the aftermath of the conflict in Gaza and the need for a sustainable solution.
Gallant's visit to the U.S. appeared to have multiple objectives. While it aimed to shore up bipartisan support for Israel amidst rising tensions with Lebanon, some observers speculate that it also served to undermine Prime Minister Netanyahu. Gallant's criticism of Netanyahu's lack of a post-war plan for Gaza aligns with previous U.S. criticisms and suggests internal political maneuvering within Israel's government.
As the situation remains tense, the international community continues to call for de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution to avoid a potentially catastrophic conflict. The warnings from Israel and the UN highlight the high stakes involved and the urgent need for efforts to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
