Israel’s far-right cabinet members, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, on Friday called for intensified attacks in Lebanon after the Israeli army said four soldiers were killed in fighting in southern Lebanon, Anadolu reports. In a post on the US social media company X, Ben-Gvir said Israel should respond forcefully despite international pressure. “With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not forfeit. All of Lebanon must burn,” the extremist minister wrote. “Our supreme duty is to protect the citizens of Israel and the soldiers of the IDF (army), and this commitment takes precedence over […]]]>
HIGHMiddle East MonitorAI REVIEWEDNo Trust Score Issued2026-06-19 14:30
Extremist Israeli ministers call for ‘burning’ Lebanon, opening ‘gates of hell’ after soldiers killed
israellebanonmiddle-eastitamar-ben-gvirbezalel-smotrich
Far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have called for intensified attacks in Lebanon after four Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon. Ben-Gvir stated that Israel should respond forcefully despite international pressure, and that all of Lebanon should 'burn' in response to the attack. The incident has escalated tensions in the region, with Israel's response likely to have significant implications for regional security. The ministers' extremist rhetoric has r