Israeli Ministers Call for "Burning Lebanon" Amid Southern Border Clashes

Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich issued calls for severe measures against southern Lebanon, demanding what they described as "opening the gates of hell" in the region.

On the social media platform X, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich wrote on Friday morning: "A tough morning. It is time for harsh words. Open the gates of hell."

Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated: "For every tear shed by an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers shed tears. Lebanon must burn entirely."

Ben Gvir further expressed, "With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our children and the security of our citizens are not wasted. Lebanon must burn entirely."

He added, "Our highest duty is to protect the citizens of Israel and the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, and this commitment takes precedence over all other considerations."

Ben Gvir also noted that in private meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he emphasized, "For every tear shed by an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers shed tears."

The southern Lebanon front has witnessed escalating reciprocal violence, resulting in the deaths of four Israeli soldiers and injuries to approximately 20 others, according to military statements. Meanwhile, around 16 Lebanese individuals were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Nabatieh, as reported by the National News Agency.