By Darlington Onedibe
Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir issued a fiery statement on Friday demanding a massive military escalation, declaring that “all of Lebanon must burn” following the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.
The comment from the ultranationalist minister comes amid escalating tensions along the northern border, where the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that four troops including a battalion commander were killed in a strike on their tank in the southern Lebanese village of Tebnit.
In a statement published on the social media platform X, Ben-Gvir explicitly rejected calls for diplomatic restraint from international allies, including the United States, which has been pushing for a regional ceasefire agreement.
“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 up for bargaining,” Ben-Gvir wrote. “All of Lebanon must burn.”
He added that he had directly conveyed his stance to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing for an unrestricted military campaign. “Our supreme duty is to protect the citizens of Israel and the soldiers of the IDF, and this commitment takes precedence over every other consideration,” the minister added.
The minister’s remarks coincided with intense military activity on both sides of the border. The Israeli military confirmed that a Givati Brigade tank was struck by a projectile overnight, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers, making it one of the costliest single incidents for the military in recent weeks.
In response to what Israel termed ceasefire violations by Hezbollah, the IDF launched a wave of heavy airstrikes and artillery shelling across southern Lebanon, particularly targeting the Nabatieh district.
Lebanese health officials reported that at least 18 people were killed and dozens more wounded in the Friday morning strikes, noting that ongoing bombardment was hindering emergency rescue operations.
The rhetoric from Ben-Gvir reflects deep divisions within the Israeli government regarding international diplomatic efforts to curb hostilities, as hardline coalition members continue to push for an unyielding military response despite mounting international pressure.
