Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hezbollah of drawing Lebanon into the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Iran.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Palmachim Airbase in the city of Yavne, Netanyahu made the remarks during a visit alongside Defense Minister Israel Katz and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.
During the visit, the Israeli prime minister received an operational briefing and interacted with UAV operators and technical teams.
He praised their actions since the launch of Operation Roaring Lion, noting that they had protected Israeli citizens while “striking the murderers and their dispatchers in Iran.”
Netanyahu said that the aerial campaign in Iran continues “with great force,” adding that the conflict has now expanded to Lebanon following recent actions by Hezbollah.
“Hezbollah made a very grave mistake when it attacked us.” he said. “We have already responded with great force, and we will respond with even greater, additional force.”
The Israeli leader also addressed the Lebanese government and citizens, saying the paramilitary group was responsible for the latest Israeli military action in Lebanon.
“Hezbollah is dragging them into a war that is not theirs, solely because of the death of that mass murderer with whom they have no connection,” the premier added.
Netanyahu further advised Lebanese citizens to “look out for themselves,” stating that Israel would continue taking necessary measures to defend itself as Operation Roaring Lion entered its fifth day.
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio responded on Tuesday to questions regarding the timing of Operation Epic Fury and whether the United States or Israel initiated the strike against Iran.
“The President acted on the timing that gave us the highest chance of success, and that’s what you’re seeing play out right now,” Rubio said during a press conference.
He emphasized that the mission aims to destroy Iran’s missile program, factories, naval capabilities, and “their ability to sponsor terrorism.”
“Those objectives are going to be met. There will be a price to pay for it, but that is a much lower price to pay than having a nuclear-armed Iran,” Rubio added.
The United States Department of Defense also confirmed the identities of four American service members killed in the war: Capt. Cody Khork, 35; Sgt. Declan Coady, 20; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39; and Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42.