TEL AVIV – Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced on Tuesday that Israel is not aiming for war with Lebanon, particularly with the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
According to a new release by the Philippines News Agency, who is in Israel for a solidarity visit, Hezbollah is "playing with fire." While Herzog stated Israel does not seek confrontation along its northern border, he warned that if Hezbollah instigates a conflict, "Lebanon will pay the price."
The statement comes amid border clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, following the conflict in Gaza. The Gaza Strip has been under Israeli bombardment and blockade since October 7. This war was initiated by the Palestinian group Hamas, with Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, launching multiple forms of attacks into Israel. The incursion was cited as retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and escalating violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.
In response, the Israeli military carried out Operation Swords of Iron, targeting Hamas in the Gaza Strip. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, the Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli airstrikes has reached 5,087, which includes 2,055 children, 1,119 women, and 217 elders. Additionally, 15,273 people have been injured. Israeli authorities report that more than 1,400 Israelis have been killed in Hamas attacks since October 7.