From the Liveblog of
Monday, January 8, 2024
On northern border, Netanyahu says Israel ready for war with Hezbollah if necessary
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
In the northern city of Kiryat Shmona, Prime Minister Netanyahu tells IDF reservists that Israel prefers to restore security in the area without going to war with Hezbollah, but that it is ready to do so.
“Hezbollah got us wrong in a major way in 2006, and is getting us seriously wrong even now,” he tells soldiers from the 769th Regional Brigade.
“It sees here tremendous power, the unity of a people, a determination to do whatever is necessary to restore security to the north, and I tell you – this is my policy,” he continues.
Netanyahu spoke to the soldiers hours after a Hezbollah anti-tank missile hit the city.
“Of course, we prefer that this be done without a widespread campaign, but that will not stop us,” says the prime minister. “We gave them an example of what is happening to their friends in the south; this is what will happen here in the north. We will do everything to restore security.”
The prime minister is accompanied by Economy Minister Nir Barkat, his Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman and his Military Secretary General Avi Gil
The Times of Israel Community.