“All of Lebanon must burn”: Ben-Gvir’s comments trigger massive online condemnation

‘Israeli’ National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a controversial far-right figure, unleashed inflammatory rhetoric on Friday, declaring that “all of Lebanon must burn” and demanding collective vengeance against Lebanese civilians in response to the deaths of four ‘Israeli’ soldiers in clashes with Hezbollah.

In a post on X that quickly drew widespread condemnation, Ben-Gvir wrote: “For every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep.”

He criticized “measured responses and containment,” rejected deference to American calls for restraint, and claimed he had urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in private meetings to abandon restraint and “go berserk” to defeat terror.

“With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not forfeit. All of Lebanon must burn. Our supreme duty is to protect the citizens of Israel and the soldiers of the IDF, and this commitment takes precedence over every other consideration,” Ben-Gvir said on X.

“I told the Prime Minister, even in our private meetings: For every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep,” he continued.

The outburst came hours after ‘Israeli’ forces reported the soldiers’ deaths amid renewed fighting in southern Lebanon, despite a fragile US-brokered ceasefire aimed at de-escalating tensions between ‘Israel’ and the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The truce, part of broader diplomatic efforts involving the US, Qatar, and Iran, has been repeatedly strained by violations on both sides.

Ben-Gvir’s comments highlight the influence of extremist elements in ‘Israel’s’ governing coalition.

Critics have long accused him of stoking hatred and collective punishment rhetoric that endangers civilians and undermines diplomatic solutions.