Ben Gvir’s Fiery Threat: “All of Lebanon Must Burn”
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister publicly defies the U.S., demanding total war in Lebanon after four Israeli soldiers are killed in a Hezbollah attack.
JERUSALEM — Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir issued a stark and incendiary warning on Friday, declaring that “all of Lebanon must burn” in response to the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in a Hezbollah attack .
The announcement comes just days after a landmark US-Iran peace deal was signed, which included provisions intended to halt fighting in Lebanon . It represents a direct challenge to the diplomatic efforts of the United States, a key Israeli ally .
‘For Every Tear of an Israeli Mother’
Ben Gvir took to social media platform X to articulate his call for a massive escalation, asserting that Israeli security concerns must override international pressure .
“With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not forfeit. All of Lebanon must burn,” Ben Gvir wrote, according to multiple international news agencies .
In a particularly graphic statement, Ben Gvir said, “For every tear shed by an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep” .
He claimed to have communicated this stance directly to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing that “our supreme duty is to protect the citizens of Israel and the soldiers of the IDF, and this commitment takes precedence over every other consideration” .
Defying the U.S. and the Iran Deal
Ben Gvir’s comments are a direct rebuke of the recent US-Iran memorandum of understanding, which was supposed to bring an end to the conflict on all fronts, including Lebanon .
His remarks came after the Israeli military reported that Hezbollah militants had killed four Israeli soldiers, including a tank battalion commander, in a drone or anti-tank missile attack in southern Lebanon . Since the beginning of its military campaign in Lebanon on March 2, the conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced over a million people .
Ben Gvir argued that Israel is not bound by the US-Iran agreement, stating earlier this week that the deal “does not bind us… it does not safeguard our security” . He dismissed concerns about US opposition, framing it as a matter of national sovereignty. “We are not a banana republic,” he said previously, insisting Israel must retain full freedom of action .
Calls from Other Ministers: ‘Open the Gates of Hell’
Ben Gvir was not alone in calling for a harsh response. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also demanded severe military action, writing on X: “A rough morning. The time for harsh words has come. Open the gates of hell” .
Opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman echoed the sentiment, calling for a “heavy price” to be exacted from Hezbollah . These statements have intensified concerns that the fragile ceasefire could completely collapse, leading to a full-scale regional war .
Israel and the U.S. at Odds
The escalating rhetoric highlights a growing rift between the Israeli government and the Biden administration—now the Trump administration—over the handling of the Lebanon conflict . The U.S. has expressed frustration that Israeli military operations are jeopardizing the broader diplomatic framework established with Iran .
While Ben Gvir expressed gratitude to the U.S. and President Trump, he insisted that the security of Israeli citizens is “not up for bargaining” . This defiance suggests that Israel’s far-right leadership is prepared to pursue an independent military agenda, regardless of pressure from Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What did Itamar Ben Gvir say about Lebanon?
A: Ben Gvir called for a massive escalation of the conflict, stating “all of Lebanon must burn.” He also said, “For every tear shed by an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep” .
Q2: Why did Ben Gvir make these statements?
A: He made the remarks after four Israeli soldiers were killed in a Hezbollah attack in southern Lebanon . He argued that Israeli security must take precedence over international pressure .
Q3: Did Ben Gvir criticize the United States?
A: Yes, he explicitly defied American requests to cease fighting, stating “with all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear…” that its security needs cannot be compromised .
Q4: Did any other Israeli ministers make similar comments?
A: Yes. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also called for a harsh response, saying, “Open the gates of hell” .
