BEIRUT: The Israeli Army said that it is preparing for another possible war with Lebanon, one which it expects to be much more violent than the 2006 conflict, according to an Israeli daily.

“The [Israeli army] is preparing seriously and professionally for another Lebanon war. The response will need to be sharper, harder, and in some ways very violent. The next war will be with very heavy exchanges of fire on both sides, and so both need to make every effort to stop this happening,” said Brigadier-General Hertzi Halevy in comments published Friday in Haaretz.

He added that developments in Syria are one of the factors that could lead to a war.

Halevy’s comments were echoed by a senior officer in the Israeli army's northern command.

"The next war will be different, and therefore we should stop it as quickly as possible, in order to make things easier for the home front. This means carrying out a very strong attack against Lebanon and the damage will be enormous,” said the unnamed officer.

Lebanon and Israel fought a monthlong war in the summer of 2006.