Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz speaks to the press at the site where a missile fired from Iran, hit in the central city of Holon. June 19, 2025. (Flash90/Chaim Goldberg)
Hezbollah launches massive barrage of 200 rockets and missiles overnight at northern Israel, prompting Israeli defense chief to threaten Lebanon with expanded ground operation.
By World Israel News Staff
Israel’s defense chief on Thursday demanded that Lebanon take control of southern Lebanon and rein in the Hezbollah terror organization, warning that if Beirut fails to do so, Israel will seize more Lebanese territory.
Overnight, the Iran-backed Shi’ite Islamic terrorist group launched some 200 rockets and missiles at northern Israel, the largest barrage since Hezbollah joined in Iranian attacks on Israel starting last week.
On Thursday morning, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz (Likud) held a situational assessment with senior IDF officials at military headquarters in the Kirya in Tel Aviv.
In a video message recorded at the end of the meeting, Katz said that the Lebanese government is responsible for preventing Hezbollah from attacking northern Israel, adding that if the attacks continue, Israel will dramatically expand its incursion into southern Lebanon.
“Hezbollah launched heavy barrages of fire yesterday toward the State of Israel,” Katz said. “The IDF responded forcefully in the Dahiya district and against Hezbollah targets across Lebanon.”
Katz emphasized that if the threat to northern Israeli towns is not removed, the IDF will “seize the territory” used by Hezbollah and remove the threat “ourselves.”
“I warned the president of Lebanon that if the Lebanese government does not know how to control the territory and prevent Hezbollah from threatening the northern communities and firing at Israel — we will seize the territory and do it ourselves.”
“The prime minister and I have instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare to expand IDF operations in Lebanon in order to restore quiet and security to the northern communities.”
“We promised quiet and security for the northern communities, and that is exactly what we will deliver.”
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The two countries have also held joint training exercises between their militaries.