(Washington, D.C.) — Tensions on the Israeli-Lebanon border have been heating up in recent months. Israeli forces have been fortifying their positions as rumors of an impending new war with the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror movement have grown
In May, Hezbollah chief Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah declared, “Palestine from river to sea must be liberated. Israel has no legitimacy to exist at all and must be destroyed,” reported the Jerusalem Post.
Today, in a scene evocative of the first pages of my next political thriller, The Beirut Protocol, a serious fire fight erupted between IDF and Hezbollah forces.
“The IDF thwarted a Hezbollah terror attack near Mount Dov along the border with Lebanon on Monday afternoon, IDF spokesman Brig.-Gen. Hidai Zilberman said after the reports of clashes were reported,” according to the Jerusalem Post.
“The cell, which numbered between three and four Hezbollah operatives, crossed the border — also known as the Blue Line — several meters into sovereign Israeli territory and were identified by the IDF which opened fire,” the Post reported.
“The military confirms no Israelis were hurt in the exchanges of fire along the northern border,” the Times of Israel is reporting.
Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz are meeting at this hour.
“Iran and its proxies are still trying to strangle our northern border in an Iranian chokehold,” Gantz told reporters. “The IDF and our security forces will continue to block Iranian entrenchment, as well as the transfer of destabilizing weapons, and precision weapon systems.”
“As defense minister, I suggest that no enemy dare test us. Anyone who attempts to do so will find a ready and resolute army, prepared to protect the citizens of Israel and its sovereignty,” Gantz added. “Let me stress this once again: the responsibility rests on the shoulders of Syria and Lebanon for any activity on or originating in their territories.”
Please pray for calm and quiet to be restored, and that this is not the start of a new war.
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