In a stark warning issued on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant cautioned Hezbollah about the possibility of a ground invasion into Lebanon, saying that such an operation would be "swift, surprising, and decisive.”

"We can quickly redirect our focus from the south to the north in a moment," Gallant said during a visit to Israel’s northern border, as quoted by the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

"We are nearing a critical decision point and will choose the course of action that ensures the safety of northern residents," he affirmed.