Israel’s Smotrich renews threat of attacks on Beirut suburbs

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich warned that Hezbollah should not “exploit” the current regional situation to launch attacks on northern Israel, in remarks that appeared to reference ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran.

“For every shot fired toward our territory, ten buildings will fall in Dahiyeh,” Smotrich said, referring to Beirut’s southern suburbs. 

His comments came amid continued tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and uncertainty over whether a broader US-Iran understanding could include arrangements aimed at reducing hostilities in Lebanon.  

Iran has said that it will not abandon its allies and that any understanding regarding the end of the war must include stopping Israel's expansion of territory through its invasion of Lebanon.