Israeli minister vows ‘fire’ that will burn all of Lebanon

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Lebanon on Monday, threatening that any further escalation would unleash “fire that will burn the entire country.” The remarks came two days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to intensify strikes against Lebanese targets.

Direct warning to Hezbollah and Beirut

During a meeting with the UN envoy to Lebanon, Katz stated that Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem “is playing with fire, and the fire will burn Hezbollah and all of Lebanon.” He accused the Lebanese government of hiding behind the militant group, adding, “Fire will break out and engulf the cedars of Lebanon.” Katz also alleged that President Joseph Aoun is “gambling with the future of Lebanon,” warning that Israel would not tolerate a ceasefire that coexists with continued attacks on its forces or northern territory.

Military instructions and response strategy

Katz confirmed that he and Netanyahu have instructed the army to respond with “overwhelming fire” against Hezbollah in the event of any threat or violation of Israeli sovereignty. Meanwhile, Aoun described the existing ceasefire as “a first and necessary step” for future negotiations, adding that Beirut has conveyed this stance to Washington, which is leading mediation efforts.

Casualties and truce violations

Official Lebanese figures show that since March 2, Israeli attacks across Lebanon have killed more than 2,500 people, injured over 7,750, and displaced roughly 1.6 million. A 10-day truce declared on April 17 has been repeatedly violated by Tel Aviv. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump announced a three-week extension following talks in Washington. Hezbollah has launched drone strikes against Israeli soldiers in response to what it calls repeated breaches of the ceasefire.