In response to recent Hezbollah drone attacks on Israeli troops and northern towns, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume airstrikes on Beirut. The call for action follows the death of an Israeli soldier in a drone attack on Sunday.
Smotrich, a member of Netanyahu’s cabinet and leader of a small right-wing party, emphasized the need for a strong response. “For every explosive drone, 10 buildings should fall in Beirut,” he stated, reflecting his stance that Israel must change its approach to the ongoing threat.
Despite Smotrich’s demands, Netanyahu has reportedly rejected the call for offensive measures, preferring to focus on defensive strategies. A spokesperson for Netanyahu declined to comment on the matter. Smotrich has also approved a 2 billion shekel budget aimed at developing technological solutions to counter the drone threat.
Hezbollah’s Drone Strategy
Hezbollah has been utilizing First Person View kamikaze drones, which are controlled via fiber-optic cables, to bypass Israel’s advanced jamming technologies. These drones have been a significant factor in the conflict since the group began its attacks on March 2, shortly after U.S.-Israeli forces initiated operations against Iran.
While a ceasefire was announced on April 16, the situation remains tense, with continued exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The only recent strike on Beirut targeted a Hezbollah commander in the city’s southern suburbs.
Another ultranationalist minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, voiced his support for a more aggressive stance, suggesting that Israel should not accept the normalization of drone attacks. He called for Netanyahu to assertively communicate with former U.S. President Donald Trump about resuming military actions in Lebanon.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has also increased his rhetoric, encouraging public dissent against the Lebanese government, though he stopped short of directly inciting action from Hezbollah supporters.
As tensions continue, Israeli military officials, including Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, have echoed the sentiment that a strong response is necessary, though official confirmation of these statements has not been provided.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
