Netanyahu Warns Lebanon: Reject Hezbollah or Face Destruction

In a stark warning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the Lebanese people could face destruction similar to that experienced in Gaza unless they turn against Hezbollah. The warning comes amidst escalating conflict in the region, with increased Israeli airstrikes targeting southern and eastern Beirut, causing mass evacuations. Netanyahu asserted that Hezbollah's activities should cease, as their continued aggression could lead Lebanon into an unending conflict. The ongoing military actions also claimed that another potential leader of Hezbollah, Hasham Safadi, might have been killed, although this has not been confirmed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Meanwhile, correspondents report intensified fighting in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have mobilized four military divisions in what is termed a limited operation. The humanitarian crisis deepens as evacuation orders force countless Lebanese citizens from their homes, with makeshift shelters overflowing and many seeking refuge outside the country. The Lebanese government has yet to issue an official response, but widespread public concern is evident on social media, reflecting fears of a potential civil conflict as people grapple with the influence of foreign actors in their country's disaster. With Netanyahu set to speak with President Joe Biden regarding the U.S.-Israel relationship amidst these tensions, the situation remains precarious, raising alarms over a broader war involving regional powers.