Netanyahu warns Israelis of ‘difficult days ahead’, calls for unity

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Israelis of “difficult days” ahead, after the Israeli army launched the biggest attack on Lebanon in nearly 20 years, pummelling the country with over 300 strikes.

“We have difficult days ahead of us. What I am asking of you, the citizens of Israel, is two things: First, to follow the instructions of the Homefront Command, as that saves lives. Second, to be steadfast, responsible and determined,” he said in a video posted to X.

On Monday, Netanyahu carried out a security assessment at the Kirya Air Base in Tel Aviv with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Air Force Commander Tomer Bar.

Walla news site reported Netanyahu as claiming that Israel is eliminating senior Hezbollah officials and removing missiles adding that “whoever tries to harm us, we will harm him more”.

He pointed out that he pledged to change the balance of power on the northern front, adding: “This is exactly what we are doing, we are destroying thousands of rockets and missiles targeting Israeli cities and our citizens.”

READ: Israel declares state of emergency as it strikes Lebanon