Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Katz addressed the armed forces, stating they are fulfilling a prophetic vision and urging them to consult religious texts for justification. He claimed Israel has operated in these areas before, will continue its actions, and said that all villages near the Lebanon border are being systematically demolished. Katz added that anyone who opposes the Israeli government in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria or elsewhere will pay a price, losing their land and homes.