Israeli Chief of Staff Warns Hezbollah: "We Still Have Many Capabilities, and at Every Stage, We Will Respond"

 Jerusalem, September 19, 2024 – Israel’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, delivered a forceful warning to Hezbollah following a spike in clashes along the Israel-Lebanon border. Speaking to reporters, Halevi emphasized that Israel’s military remains fully prepared and capable of responding to any threat from the militant group, which operates out of Lebanon with Iranian support.

"We still have many capabilities, and at every stage, we will operate," Halevi said, making it clear that Hezbollah would pay a steep price for any escalation. "The price for Hezbollah should be high at every stage," he added, stressing that Israel is ready for any scenario.

The IDF chief’s remarks come amid mounting tensions between the two sides, with Hezbollah launching sporadic rocket attacks and Israel retaliating with airstrikes and artillery fire. Both nations have been reinforcing their military positions, and the risk of a wider conflict looms larger than in recent years.

Halevi didn’t mince words when discussing the future for Hezbollah fighters, saying, "Terrorists will be afraid to go to the toilet and even eat food." His blunt warning reflects Israel’s intention to disrupt Hezbollah's operations through precision strikes and sophisticated intelligence. This kind of psychological warfare has long been a part of Israel's strategy, making daily life more difficult for its enemies by keeping them constantly on edge.

Growing Threat at the Northern Border

Israel’s northern border has always been a flashpoint, but the recent uptick in skirmishes has heightened concerns about a full-scale conflict. In the past month, multiple exchanges of fire have occurred, with Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel and the IDF responding with force.

Halevi’s comments suggest that Israel is willing to go beyond these tit-for-tat strikes if necessary. The IDF has been known to carry out targeted operations, aiming at high-value Hezbollah targets not only in Lebanon but also in neighboring Syria.

Israeli intelligence estimates that Hezbollah now has a vast arsenal of missiles, including long-range rockets capable of reaching major cities in Israel. Despite this threat, Israel’s missile defense system, Iron Dome, has proven effective in neutralizing most incoming fire, providing a sense of security even as tensions rise.

Calls for Restraint

While Israel is preparing for the worst, international organizations and neighboring countries are urging restraint. The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL, has been trying to broker calm, though ceasefire agreements between Israel and Hezbollah are notoriously fragile.

Lebanon, meanwhile, is struggling with its own internal crises, from political paralysis to economic collapse. For many Lebanese citizens, the last thing they want is another war, but Hezbollah’s influence in the country means the risk of conflict remains ever-present. Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has issued his own warnings to Israel, promising retaliation if Hezbollah feels it is under attack.

Looking Ahead

As Israel and Hezbollah continue to square off, Lt. Gen. Halevi’s message was unmistakable: any further escalation will be met with overwhelming force. Whether the current tensions will boil over into a broader conflict remains uncertain, but for now, both sides appear unwilling to back down. The coming weeks will likely determine if diplomacy can prevent another war in the already volatile region.