Key facts
- Four Israeli soldiers were killed in combat in southern Lebanon.
- Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for Lebanon to 'burn'.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Israeli troops will remain in southern Lebanon indefinitely.
- UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned Ben-Gvir's remarks as 'horrendous and abhorrent'.
- Cooper urged both Israel and Hezbollah to respect a ceasefire and protect civilians.
Following the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, Israeli officials have issued strong statements vowing continued military presence and retaliation against Hezbollah. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for Lebanon to 'burn' and for reciprocal suffering, stating, 'For every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep.' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that Israeli troops would remain in a designated 'security zone' in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary for the protection of northern communities. Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed this sentiment, promising a forceful response to any Hezbollah ceasefire violations. These developments occur despite a reported provisional agreement between the US and Iran to suspend military activities.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has condemned comments by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir after he said that 'all of Lebanon must burn' following the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in a Hezbollah attack in southern Lebanon. In a post on X, Cooper described the remarks as 'a horrendous and abhorrent statement from an Israeli Minister who has rightly been sanctioned by the UK Government'. Cooper also called on both Israel and Hezbollah to respect the ceasefire in Lebanon and avoid further escalation. She urged the parties to 'ensure that all civilians are protected', stressing the need to prevent additional violence as diplomatic efforts continue to stabilise the situation along the border.