An Israeli government spokesperson emphasized on Thursday during a news conference in Tel Aviv that Israel stands “prepared for both defence and attack” on its northern border with Lebanon when asked about Israel’s readiness for ground operations against Hezbollah. “The prime minister has said that the change in the balance of forces on our northern border is needed and necessary … Israel is responding with force to this aggression by Hezbollah. We will use all means necessary to restore security to our northern border, and to safely return our citizens to their homes,” the spokesman added. Earlier today, an unidentified official from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRCG) reportedly announced today that Iran would retaliate “in the coming days” against Israel for alleged attacks on their forces in Syria and Hezbollah in Lebanon.