Staff Reports
In a bold and fiery statement, Nir Barkat, Israel’s Minister of Economy, didn’t hold back when warning Iran and Israel’s enemies about the consequences of joining Hamas’ war against Israel. With a touch of bravado, Barkat threatened to “wipe them off the face of the earth” if they dared to align themselves with the terrorist group. This warning came on the heels of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launching targeted airstrikes in northern Gaza, aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure. In an effort to minimize civilian casualties, Israel had previously warned residents to evacuate the area before the attack.
Now, as Israel prepares for a ground offensive against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, there are mounting fears that Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist organization, might enter the conflict by launching attacks on Israel from the north. Barkat wasted no time in putting Iran on notice, asserting that not only would Israel eliminate Hezbollah, but they would also target Iran itself, vowing to “wipe them out.” He accused Iran of planning to attack Israel on multiple fronts, and made it clear that Israel would not only retaliate but go straight to the heart of the matter – Iran.
The USS Gerald Ford Carrier Strike Group's maneuvers in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea from October 10 to 21. pic.twitter.com/0gH7D63uJU
— Duan Dang (@duandang) October 21, 2023
Barkat didn’t mince his words when discussing the potential consequences faced by Hezbollah and Lebanon should they choose to join the war. He warned that they would pay a heavy price, similar to what Hamas was already enduring, but emphasized that this wouldn’t be enough. Israel’s intention was to go after the heads of Iran, sending a clear message that they would not hesitate to take action against their enemies when they deemed it necessary. In Barkat’s own words, “Israel has a very clear message to our enemies. We are saying to them, look what’s happening in Gaza – you are going to get the same treatment if you attack us. We are going to wipe you off the face of the Earth.”
These strong statements from Israel’s Minister of Economy have raised concerns about the escalating tensions in the region, sparking fears of a potential World War Three. With Hezbollah potentially entering the conflict and the presence of US warships and global powers like Russia and China, the situation is becoming increasingly volatile. Iran has repeatedly expressed its desire for the elimination of Israel, and Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri warned that American support for Israel might lead to the intervention of other actors. With such high stakes, the world waits anxiously to see how this dangerous situation will unfold.
