Mideast flashpoint: Israel dares Hezbollah to cross the line

Tensions across the Middle East continue to spiral as Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz fired a sharp warning at Lebanon’s Hezbollah, urging the militant group to stay out of the brewing Israel-Iran showdown.

Speaking bluntly on Friday, June 20, 2025, Katz declared that Israel’s patience with “terrorists” is over, cautioning Hezbollah not to miscalculate Israel’s resolve.

“We will not hesitate. If Hezbollah dares to act, we will respond with full force,” Katz stated, amid rising fears of regional escalation.

The comments came in response to remarks made by Naim Qassem, deputy leader of the Iranian-backed militia.

On Thursday, Qassem accused Israel and the United States of engaging in “brutal aggression” against Iran, vowing that Hezbollah would act as it deemed necessary.

“We are not neutral in the face of crimes against Iran,” Qassem said, hinting at a broader alliance among Iran’s regional proxies.

Still, Hezbollah’s position remains murky. Despite fiery rhetoric, the group has stopped short of declaring full entry into the conflict.

A senior Hezbollah official told Reuters last week that the group had no intention of launching a direct attack on Israel — for now.

Israeli officials remain deeply wary. Hezbollah holds thousands of rockets and has positioned forces along Israel’s northern border, heightening alert levels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

In Katz’s words, “One wrong move from Hezbollah could ignite a devastating war.”

Analysts warn that any misstep could open a multi-front war involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.

With the Gaza conflict still raging between Israel and Hamas, the prospect of Hezbollah’s involvement could tip the region into chaos.

The warning also coincides with frantic diplomatic efforts. Katz hosted French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Jerusalem this week, urging European powers to pressure Hezbollah and Iran to stand down.

Western allies, including the U.S. and France, have expressed growing concern over the widening scope of violence.

“No one wants a full-scale regional war,” one senior EU diplomat noted. “But all it takes is one miscalculation.”

Iran has not responded officially to Katz’s warning.

However, its Revolutionary Guard Corps remains on high alert, and recent missile movements have raised eyebrows in the intelligence community.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s tight links with Tehran mean any Israeli action against Iran could draw the Lebanese militia in — regardless of intent.

For now, a tense calm remains. But with threats, counter-threats, and unresolved grievances in the air, the possibility of war lurks dangerously close.

One message from Tel Aviv is clear: Israel will not wait for Hezbollah to strike first.

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