In a rare contribution by an Israeli official to Arab media, IDF spokesman Brig.-Gen. Ronen Manelis warned in an op-ed on a Lebanese opposition website that a war could break out between the two countries if Iran and Hezbollah’s presences in the country continue to grow.

“It [Lebanon] is no longer a transfer of arms, funds or consultation. Iran has de-facto opened a new branch, the ‘Lebanon branch.’ Iran is here,” Manelis said.

At the same time, Manelis pointed out that Hezbollah has continued to grow its control over the Lebanese government, while simultaneously building its own terror infrastructure.

“The future of Lebanese citizens is in the hands of a dictator who sits in Tehran,” Manelis wrote, adding, “I think it is right to warn the residents of Lebanon of the Iranian game in their security and in their future.”