Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to unleash Gaza-style destruction on Beirut’s southern suburbs, warning that the area could face devastation similar to that seen in Gaza. The statement came after Israel’s military ordered residents of the entire area to evacuate. Smotrich, a far-right member of Israel’s government, made the remarks during a video statement while visiting Israel’s northern border.

He referred to the extensive damage in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza, saying that Beirut’s Dahieh district would soon resemble it. Smotrich accused Hezbollah of making a grave mistake and vowed that the group would pay a heavy price. He also claimed that Israel was striking at Iran’s leadership while simultaneously targeting Hezbollah. The comments were reported by Al Jazeera.

The warning marks an escalation in rhetoric amid heightened regional tensions, as Israel signals readiness to expand its military operations beyond Gaza if provoked.