DUBAI: Israeli ministers have authorized the military forces to strike Beirut in response to any rocket fire emanating from Lebanon and crosses into the country’s territory, media reports say.
Israel’s security cabinet decided Monday morning that any rocket fire from Lebanon that crosses into Israeli territory will trigger an immediate strike on Beirut – no special political approval required, Israeli Channel 14 reported.
During the Cabinet meeting, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said “the fate of the Dahiyeh in Beirut is the fate of the towns of the north,” Turkish Anadolu Agency also reported.
The new rules of engagement became effective overnight, with no projectiles being fired into Israel since Monday morning.
Iran fired a salvo of missiles at Israeli targets in retaliation for an attack on the outskirts of Beirut. That prompted an Israeli retaliation, despite US pressure for restraint, before President Donald Trump called for an “immediate ceasefire” and that final peace negotiations on “peace” are proceeding.
Tehran has repeatedly stated any deal should include Lebanon — where Israel has been pressing its war with Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun made a rare direct appeal to the Israeli government and its people to come to the negotiating table to end the war, warning in a CNN interview aired Monday that a military solution “will never provide you with security and safety.”
Aside from giving the military greater leeway to respond to Hezbollah attacks, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir during the Cabinet meeting called for “arresting their women and children,” saying, “This is what hurts them most.”
“The next time Hezbollah fires at Israeli towns, we will immediately attack the Dahiyeh, and the Iranians will try again, so let them try,” Israeli Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar was quoted as saying.
