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According to a report by the Times of Israel on Friday June 19, 2026, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir issued a fiery response after four Israeli soldiers were killed in a Hezbollah attack, calling for a much tougher approach toward Lebanon.
The remarks came shortly after the Israeli military confirmed the deaths of the soldiers, an incident that has further heightened tensions along the northern front. Ben Gvir, one of the most hardline figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, argued that Israel should not allow outside pressure to dictate its security decisions.
In his statement, he stressed that the safety of Israeli citizens and the lives of Israeli troops should never become matters for negotiation or compromise. He also suggested that Israel must send a clear and unmistakable message following the deadly attack.
“All of Lebanon must burn,” Ben Gvir declared.
The minister’s comments are likely to fuel further controversy both inside Israel and abroad, coming at a time when international efforts are focused on reducing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. His statement also arrives amid growing debate over how Israel should respond to ongoing attacks from the Lebanese militant group.
The deaths of the four soldiers have intensified calls from some Israeli politicians for stronger military action, while others continue to advocate for measures aimed at preventing a wider regional escalation.
