Katz Warns Hezbollah Against Joining Conflict with Iran
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Lebanon's Hezbollah to exercise caution on Friday, saying Israel's patience with "terrorists" who threaten it had worn thin.
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said on Thursday that the Lebanese group would act as it saw fit in the face of what he called "brutal Israeli-American aggression" against Iran.
In other statements, the group has made no explicit pledge to join the fighting. But it has condemned Israel's surprise strikes on Iran that sparked the conflict and endorsed Iran's missile barrages over Israel.
"I suggest the Lebanese proxy be cautious and understand that Israel has lost patience with terrorists who threaten it,' Katz said in a statement on Friday, adding that "if there is terrorism -- there will be no Hezbollah."
Qassem 'is not learning a lesson from his predecessors and is threatening to act against Israel in accordance with the Iranian dictator's orders,' Katz stated.
He said on Thursday that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, 'cannot continue to exist.'
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