Israel's Gallant makes threats after Lebanon border flare-up

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has threatened to respond to any “violation” of Israel’s “sovereignty,” hours after Israel shelled open areas in south Lebanon in response to mortar fire.

“Against any violation of our sovereignty and challenge to our presence in our country, we will respond at the place and time we choose, in overt and covert ways, that will exact a clear price from those responsible for it,” Gallant said at a ceremony on the Israeli-Lebanese border.

“The stranglehold of Hezbollah and Iran, who are fueling terrorism in our region, is unrelenting and drags the country (Lebanon) and its citizens into a continuous reality of poverty and crisis,” Gallant added.

He also said that the Israeli army “maintains a high level of readiness and competence and will continue to act against Iran and Hezbollah's attempts to strengthen in the northern arena.”