“If the Lebanese government continues to take refuge under the wing of Hezbollah, a fire will burn the ashes of Lebanon”
Israël Katz
Ministre de la Défense d’Israël
Ten days after the announcement of a ceasefire that all parties accuse each other of breaking, tensions in Lebanon escalated further on Monday, April 27, following the incendiary statements made by the Israeli Defense Minister.
In a statement issued by Israel Katz’s office, and reported by L’Orient-Le Jour, the minister threatened Hezbollah leader Naïm Kassem and the Lebanese government: “Naïm Kassem is playing with fire, and this fire will burn Hezbollah and all of Lebanon. If the Lebanese government continues to take refuge under the wing of the terrorist organization Hezbollah, a fire will erupt and burn the ashes of Lebanon,” referring to the national emblem of the country.
These words are reminiscent of those used by United States President, Donald Trump, who, on April 7, on his Truth Social network, wrote, referring to Iran, that “an entire civilization [would] die tonight, never to be reborn.” “The entire country could be destroyed in one night,” continued the White House tenant during a press conference.
Deadly Strikes
Entering into effect on April 17 after six weeks of war, the ceasefire, announced and unilaterally extended by the American president, offers no respite for the Lebanese, who are enduring the numerous strikes carried out by the Israeli army on the country. According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli strikes on Sunday, April 26, resulted in 14 deaths – including two women and two children – the deadliest daily toll since the ceasefire came into effect.
“Hezbollah’s violations are effectively dismantling the ceasefire,” affirmed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On their part, the armed Shiite organization assured that their fighters had targeted the Israeli army “in response to legitimate” violations of the ceasefire by Israel and attacks on villages in southern Lebanon.
