Israel reduces troops in north as Gallant warns of 'devastating' war on Beirut

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has said that Israel is preparing for a potential war with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, warning that the war would be devastating for the crisis-hit country.

"If the Israeli army goes into action in the north, it will destroy Lebanon and Hezbollah," Gallant said. He added that in case of an escalation, the situation in Haifa won't be good, but in Beirut "the situation would be devastating."

Gallant had said that Israeli troops will "very soon go into action" near the country's northern border with Lebanon and that the forces will be reinforced preparing "for what comes next."

Yedioth Ahronoth meanwhile said Wednesday that the Israeli army has decided to lower the number of troops in northern Israeli communities. The towns would be stationed by local security squads who would act against any hostile action until Israeli forces arrive.