Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sharply criticized Israeli leaders on Friday after controversial comments made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir regarding Lebanon. Araghchi accused Israel of promoting endless conflict and warned that its leadership was encouraging dangerous escalation in the region. The criticism came after Ben Gvir declared that “all Lebanon must burn” following the deaths of four Israeli soldiers during clashes in southern Lebanon.
Abbas Araghchi Accuses Israel of Pursuing “Permanent War”
In a post on X, Araghchi condemned Ben Gvir’s remarks and argued that they reflected a broader attitude within Israel’s leadership. The Iranian foreign minister said the comments were not an isolated outburst but a public statement from a senior government official. He accused Israeli leaders of fueling instability and encouraging continuous warfare across the region.
“This is not a rant by a random genocidal lunatic," Araghchi wrote. He continued by describing Israel’s leadership as a serious threat beyond the Middle East. “It’s a public post by the national security minister of the Israeli regime. The genocidal death cult headquartered in Tel Aviv is a threat to all of humanity. It threatens all humans. Its only interest is permanent war," the Iranian foreign minister wrote.
Israel-Lebanon Fighting Intensifies Despite Regional Peace Efforts
The exchange of accusations came as violence escalated along the Israel-Lebanon border. Lebanese authorities reported that at least 21 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes overnight. Meanwhile, Israel confirmed that four of its soldiers died during clashes in southern Lebanon.
The latest fighting represents one of the most serious escalations since the United States and Iran reached an agreement aimed at ending the broader conflict in West Asia. The deal was also expected to help reduce tensions between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
However, the renewed violence has raised concerns that the fragile regional calm could be breaking down.
What Did Itamar Ben Gvir Say About Lebanon?
Ben Gvir, a far-right member of Israel’s government known for making controversial statements, triggered widespread criticism after posting a strongly worded message on social media. Reacting to the deaths of four Israeli soldiers, he called for severe retaliation against Lebanon. “For every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep. All of Lebanon must burn!" he wrote on X. The comments quickly drew condemnation from critics who argued that such rhetoric could further inflame tensions and increase the risk of wider conflict.
Ben Gvir Calls for Strong Israeli Response
In the same message, Ben Gvir defended his position by arguing that Israel must send a clear signal that attacks against its citizens and soldiers would not go unanswered.
“Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not forfeit. All of Lebanon must burn. Our supreme duty is to protect the citizens of Israel and the soldiers of the IDF, and this commitment takes precedence over every other consideration." His remarks have added to the growing controversy surrounding the latest round of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
Regional Tensions Rise as Leaders Exchange Accusations
The war of words between Iranian and Israeli officials highlights the growing strain in the region as violence continues to intensify along the Lebanese border. While Iran has accused Israel of deliberately encouraging long-term conflict, Israeli leaders maintain that military action is necessary to protect the country's citizens and armed forces.
With casualties rising on both sides and diplomatic efforts under pressure, concerns are increasing that the latest escalation could further destabilize an already fragile region.