Israel issues strong warning against Hezbollah: potential eradication looms
The situation in the Middle East is heating up. Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has issued a stern warning to the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. Katz stated that if Hezbollah attacks Israel in support of Iran, "there will be no Hezbollah." These remarks were tweeted by Katz and reported by Israeli newspaper "Haaretz." Hezbollah chief Naim Kassem had previously declared that Hezbollah is 'not neutral' and will 'act as it deems fit.' Katz responded, "I suggest the Lebanese representative be cautious and understand that Israel has run out of patience with terrorists threatening it."
As the conflict between Israel and Iran continues, German CDU MEP Michael Gahler has called for sanctions against Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Gahler, the foreign policy spokesman and rapporteur of the EPP group in the Security and Defense Committee, believes that these two ministers have made particularly extreme statements and actively support the radical settler movement in the West Bank, even going against a two-state solution. Gahler told "Der Spiegel" that these ministers do not serve the long-term interests of Israel. Possible sanctions could include a travel ban or freezing of their assets.
The situation remains tense as Iran and Israel Continue to trade blows. According to Chancellor's Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei, US intervention is still up in the air. While there are signs that the US might become involved, Frei stated that it's still speculation how the US will behave. Frei emphasized the importance of diplomacy ahead of the upcoming Iran talks, including those led by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Geneva.
In the midst of the conflict, Israel reports a rocket strike on the city of Beersheba in southern Israel. At least one projectile struck near residential buildings, office buildings, and industrial facilities, according to the army. At least one residential complex had its facade torn off. Initial reports suggest that at least six people were lightly injured. The Israeli channel Kan shows footage of burning cars, thick smoke, and broken windows on residential buildings. CNN reports of fires near office buildings, where a Microsoft representation is also located. Beersheba had been repeatedly targeted by Iranian attacks in recent days.
In response to the conflict, Israel has launched another round of attacks on Iran. The Israeli air force has reportedly attacked dozens of targets in Iran overnight. More than 60 combat aircraft attacked military facilities for producing rockets, as well as the headquarters of a research institute for the Iranian "nuclear weapons project" overnight, the army said. Several industrial facilities for producing rockets in the Tehran area were hit. The area had served as a central industrial hub for the Iranian Defense Ministry. A facility for producing a key component for the Iranian nuclear weapons program was also targeted.
As the conflict continues, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has stated that today's meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi is taking place at a critical juncture. "The situation is incredibly tense, it's hardly possible to predict how the next few days will unfold," the CDU politician told "Der Spiegel." Wadephul and his counterparts from France and the UK will meet Araghchi in Geneva. When asked if the German government would help Israel if Iranian attacks continue and the number of victims increases, Wadephul said: "I warn Tehran against violating international agreements and escalating the conflict. But you can't rule it out. Israel can always rely on Germany."
CDU foreign policy expert Armin Laschet defends Chancellor Friedrich Merz after he praised Israel's military operation against Iran, stating that they are doing the "dirty work" for us all." Laschet said, "I have to give him credit - if he speaks more clearly and perhaps even changes course, that's good." Laschet added, "That's a different language than with Olaf Scholz," referring to the previous SPD Chancellor. Merz is 'clearer' in his explanations, according to Laschet, and what he wanted to say is correct."
In a surprising turn of events, the residence of the Norwegian ambassador in Israel was hit by a grenade. The grenade was thrown into the courtyard of the residence, but no embassy staff were injured. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that he had been in contact with the Norwegian ambassador to Israel, Per Egil Selvaag. Selvaag's residence was hit by a "shrapnel grenade." Saar added, "I condemn this serious and dangerous crime in the strongest possible terms."
As the conflict escalates, air raid sirens have triggered again in southern Israel, with the Israeli army reporting that sirens are sounding "in several areas of Israel after rockets were detected fired from Iran towards the State of Israel." The Israeli military is currently intercepting the rockets, according to reports.
The conflict between Iran and Israel has become a dangerous game of cat and mouse, with both sides trading blows and escalating tensions. The international community is urging both sides to sit down and negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but so far, there has been no progress. The situation remains tense, and both sides show no signs of backing down.
Sources: ntv.de, gut/gho/mau/dpa/rts/AFP/DJ
- Middle East Conflict
- Israel War
- Israel
- Iran
- Iran Conflict
- Iranian Nuclear Program
- Middle East
- Wars and Conflicts
Despite the escalating Middle East conflict, German CDU MEP Michael Gahler has called for diplomatic action, advocating for sanctions against Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir for their extreme statements and support of radical settler movements.
As Israeli-Iranian tensions rise, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasizes the importance of diplomacy in forthcoming Iran talks, while expressing concerns over potential Iranian violence and the need for peaceful resolution.
