Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Wednesday his “readiness for any scenario” amid the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah and its backer, Iran, against the backdrop of the Gaza war.
United States President Joe Biden is expected to urge Netanyahu to ease his demands in the ceasefire deal in a phone call later tonight, an unnamed source with knowledge of the details tells Walla news site.
The call was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, and comes as talks are said to be on the “brink of collapse,” amid faltering efforts to secure Hamas’s agreement to the latest US proposal and Netanyahu’s hardline stance, on the Israeli army’s continued presence in the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors.
The leaders discussed “the cease-fire and hostage release deal and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions,” according to a statement from the White House.
During a visit to the Ramat David Airbase in northern Israel, near the Lebanese border, Netanyahu stated, “I am here to closely monitor our preparations against both immediate and distant threats. We are ready for any scenario, whether in defense or in attack.”
The Israeli prime minister continued, “The air force is our iron fist that knows how to strike at the soft underbelly of our enemies. The ground crews, pilots and commanders here are performing heroically. They have proven this time and again, and if necessary, we will prove it again and again.”
Netanyahu met with senior officials of the Israeli Air Force, including Air Force Chief of Staff Tomer Bar and Head of the Air Defense System Gilad Biran, and received a comprehensive briefing on the air force’s readiness, according to an official statement.
The Israeli military reported that it struck Hezbollah weapon and ammunition storage sites in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley overnight. In response, Hezbollah claimed it launched a drone attack on military sites in northern Israel.
