Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warns that Hezbollah’s defiance will bring catastrophic consequences for Lebanon, after the group’s leader rejected proposed direct talks between Tel Aviv and Beirut, AFP reports.

“[Hezbollah chief] Naim Qassem is playing with fire, and the fire will burn Hezbollah and all of Lebanon … if the Lebanese government continues to take cover under the wing of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation — fire will break out and engulf the cedars of Lebanon,” Katz tells UN envoy to Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, according to a statement issued by his office.