In a defiant statement made during a visit to the IDF Golani Brigade Training Base on Monday, October 14, 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to intensify military operations against Hezbollah, targeting the militant group “without mercy” throughout Lebanon, including its capital, Beirut. His comments followed a deadly drone attack by Hezbollah that hit the Golani base, killing four Israeli soldiers and wounding dozens.
The Prime Minister’s visit came just a day after the base was struck by a Hezbollah unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), part of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed terrorist organization. Netanyahu toured the site of the attack, including the dining hall where the UAV had inflicted the most damage. While meeting with commanders and soldiers, Netanyahu expressed deep sorrow for the losses and praised the bravery of the troops who responded to the incident.
“I am here at the Golani Brigade base that was hit yesterday by UAVs of the murderous Hezbollah terrorist organization,” Netanyahu said, as gunfire could be heard from soldiers continuing their training exercises in the background. “You have heard the shooting in the distance; those are Golani Brigade soldiers who are continuing to train for the continuation of the campaign.”
The Prime Minister offered condolences to the families of the four fallen soldiers, whom he named as Sgt. Omri Tamari, Sgt. Yosef Hieb, Sgt. Yoav Agmon, and Sgt. Alon Amitay. “May their memories be for a blessing. May G-d avenge them,” Netanyahu stated, as he underscored the deep sense of national grief over the losses.
From the base, Netanyahu proceeded to visit some of the wounded soldiers who were injured in the attack, offering them encouragement and relaying the nation’s support for their swift recovery. The Prime Minister called the fallen soldiers and those who continue to fight the “generation of victory,” acknowledging their pivotal role in defending Israel against the “axis of evil” led by Iran, which seeks to destroy the Jewish state through its proxies in the region.
“You are fighting in a difficult war against Iran’s axis of evil that seeks to destroy us. They will not succeed,” Netanyahu declared. “We are continuing to fight. We are paying a painful price but we have considerable achievements which we will continue to make.”
The Prime Minister’s statement reflected the escalating tensions in the region, as Israel has faced increased missile and drone attacks from Hezbollah, which uses southern Lebanon as a base for its operations. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to striking Hezbollah, emphasizing that the IDF would continue to target the group “without mercy” wherever it operates within Lebanon, including its strongholds in Beirut.
“We will continue to strike Hezbollah without mercy everywhere in Lebanon – including Beirut. Everything is according to operational considerations. We have proven this recently and we will continue to prove it in the coming days as well,” Netanyahu said.
Despite the heavy toll that the ongoing conflict is taking, Netanyahu pointed to the unwavering spirit of the IDF soldiers and medics, who he said are fully committed to the defense of Israel. “The main thing is the spirit, the spirit that I see here; the great spirit of the soldiers and medics, fighters that understand that they are fighting for the eternity of Israel. With G-d’s help, together we will fight and together we will win.”
Netanyahu’s comments underscored Israel’s resolve to continue its military campaign against Hezbollah, which has launched thousands of rockets and missiles into Israeli territory in recent months. The group’s continued aggression, including the attack on the Golani base, is part of a broader regional confrontation between Israel and Iranian-backed forces.
As the conflict continues, the IDF has ramped up its operations across southern Lebanon, while Israel’s leadership remains focused on neutralizing the Hezbollah threat. Netanyahu’s visit to the frontlines was a clear message to both the soldiers and the nation: Israel is prepared to endure the hardships of war to ensure its security and future.
The Prime Minister’s remarks were delivered amid a backdrop of ongoing military preparations, with IDF soldiers continuing their training despite the recent attack. The visit served as a morale boost to the troops and reinforced the government’s commitment to a robust military response to Hezbollah’s aggression.
As the situation along Israel’s northern border remains tense, Israel’s leadership is bracing for further conflict, with Netanyahu reiterating that the fight against Hezbollah is far from over. The Prime Minister’s declaration that Israel would continue to strike Hezbollah without hesitation signals that the conflict is likely to intensify in the coming days.–News Desk