British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Friday denounced comments by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who called for “all of Lebanon to burn,” labeling the remarks “horrendous and abhorrent.” 

“Calling for ‘all of Lebanon to burn’ is a horrendous and abhorrent statement from an Israeli Minister who has rightly been sanctioned by the UK Government,” Cooper posted on X.She also urged compliance with the recent ceasefire, stating: “We call on both Israel and Hizballah to comply with the agreed ceasefire, and ensure that all civilians are protected.”

Ben-Gvir, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and several other senior Israeli officials are currently facing ongoing legal challenges and judicial proceedings in Israel. Some observers note that the tough rhetoric from certain ministers and harsh military responses may be connected, at least in part, to these domestic legal pressures.

The comments arrive at a delicate moment as the region works to implement ceasefires following the U.S.-brokered memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran.