Netanyahu’s National Security Adviser Warns Hezbollah to Avoid Actions that Could Lead to Lebanon’s Destruction
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, expressed concerns about the potential escalation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah. Hanegbi emphasized the importance of restraint on Hezbollah’s part to prevent Lebanon’s “destruction.”
In a televised briefing, Hanegbi stated that Israel was currently focusing its efforts on the Gaza war, following Hamas’ devastating attacks on Israeli towns. He stressed the desire to avoid being drawn into a two-front war and specifically mentioned the need to limit clashes on the Lebanese border.
While acknowledging the recent limited clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, Hanegbi stated that they remained below the “escalation threshold.” He warned Hezbollah against actions that could result in Lebanon’s destruction, referring to Israel’s longstanding threats to launch heavy strikes against the country in response to Hezbollah’s missile attacks.
Prior to the Hamas incursions, which resulted in significant casualties, Hanegbi had wrongly assessed that the Palestinian Islamist group was deterred from attacking Israel. He admitted that this assessment was a mistake and acknowledged that Israel had not fulfilled its mission to prevent the attacks.
Addressing media reports, Hanegbi dismissed claims that Egypt had given Israel advanced warning of a possible dangerous development. However, he confirmed a separate report that the chief of Israel’s Shin Bet had received unusual intelligence prior to the attack.
The intelligence, discussed in a meeting led by Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar at 4 a.m. on the morning of the assault, was not considered a concrete warning of the events that unfolded 2.5 hours later, according to Hanegbi.
Summary:
Netanyahu’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, has warned Hezbollah against actions that could lead to Lebanon’s destruction, expressing concerns about potential hostilities with the group. Hanegbi emphasized Israel’s focus on the Gaza war and the need to avoid a two-front conflict. He admitted a previous wrongful assessment regarding Hamas’ intentions and addressed media reports regarding advanced warnings.
