Israel threatens Hezbollah: 'Lebanon will pay the price'

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a written statement following a meeting between Katz and his British counterpart David Cameron, who is on an official visit to Israel.

"LEBANON WILL PAY THE PRICE"

The statement included the Israeli Foreign Minister's remarks: "We will not hesitate to take action against Iran and its proxies in the region. If Hezbollah does not step back, all of Lebanon will pay the price." Katz reiterated that Israel is "determined to destroy Hamas and bring back all Israeli hostages."

Katz, who requested that British Foreign Secretary Cameron use his influence to secure the release of Israeli hostages ahead of his visit to Qatar, asked his counterpart to pressure Qatar to exert efforts on this matter.

It was noted that Katz and Cameron also met with the families of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

CEASEFIRE EFFORTS

A statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Cameron at his office in West Jerusalem.

A statement from the British Foreign Office had previously indicated that during his contacts with senior leaders in the region this week, Cameron would focus on delivering more humanitarian aid to Gaza, the release of hostages, and reaching a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.

The statement noted that Cameron would call for a rapid and significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza during his meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz in Israel, and would convey his country's concern over the high number of civilian casualties.

News Source: AA