Israel National News reports: “Defense Minister Yoav Gallant posted an unusual direct message to the Lebanese people on his X account on Thursday, warning them of the perils they face if Hezbollah carries out its threats to launch a large-scale attack against Israel.

In the Arabic-langiage message, Gallant wrote, ‘Citizens of Lebanon, Shiite Iran and those who submit [to its ideology], led by Hezbollah, have taken Lebanon and its people hostage for the sake of narrow sectarian interests.’

‘The State of Israel wants peace, prosperity, and stability on both sides of the northern border and therefore will in no way allow the Hezbollah militia to destabilize the border and the region. If Hezbollah continues its aggression, Israel will fight it with all its might.’

‘Remember [Hezbollah leader Hassan] Nasrallah’s regret following the dangerous and miscalculated adventure he embarked on, in August 2006 – learn the lesson of the past so as not to fall into a dangerous scenario in August 2024,’ he warned. ‘He who plays with fire may expect destruction.’…”