Hezbollah Warns of 'Large Losses' if Israel Expands Conflict into Lebanon
.jfif)
Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, has issued a stark warning to Israel, cautioning that an expanded conflict between the two countries could result in significant casualties and widespread displacement. This warning comes as tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border escalate, with both sides exchanging fire almost daily since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023. According to Qassem, if Israel initiates a full-scale war, the consequences will be severe for both nations, with "large losses on both sides."
Rising Tensions Along the Border
The exchange of fire between Hezbollah and Israel has resulted in dozens of deaths in Israel and hundreds in Lebanon. Tens of thousands of people on both sides have already been displaced due to the ongoing hostilities. In his recent remarks, Qassem emphasized that while Hezbollah does not desire war, it will not hesitate to respond forcefully if Israel proceeds with an expanded operation. The Lebanese group has been targeting Israeli military positions as a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Qassem clarified that Hezbollah’s support for Gaza will persist as long as Israel’s military actions continue.
"However, if Israel does unleash a war, we will face up to it – and there will be large losses on both sides," Qassem warned. He further added that Israel should be prepared for "hundreds of thousands more displaced" in the northern regions of the country if it chooses to escalate the conflict.
"However, if Israel does unleash a war, we will face up to it – and there will be large losses on both sides," Qassem warned. He further added that Israel should be prepared for "hundreds of thousands more displaced" in the northern regions of the country if it chooses to escalate the conflict.
Israeli Plans for a Broader Offensive
Reports from Israeli media indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a large-scale operation against Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. Channel 13 reported that Netanyahu is "on the verge" of launching this operation, but an official date for the escalation has not yet been set. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also hinted at a northern offensive, saying that Israel is close to completing its objectives in Gaza and that attention will soon shift to the northern front with Lebanon.
Gallant made it clear that the Israeli military is preparing for every scenario. "We are near to completing our tasks in the south," Gallant told Israeli troops stationed along the northern border. He emphasized that Israel is committed to improving the security situation along the northern front, where Hezbollah’s activities have created heightened concern among Israeli officials and citizens.
Gallant made it clear that the Israeli military is preparing for every scenario. "We are near to completing our tasks in the south," Gallant told Israeli troops stationed along the northern border. He emphasized that Israel is committed to improving the security situation along the northern front, where Hezbollah’s activities have created heightened concern among Israeli officials and citizens.
Hezbollah's Continued Attacks
Hezbollah has conducted near-daily attacks on Israeli military targets, with at least 12 assaults reported on Saturday alone. These strikes have targeted artillery positions and military warehouses. Israel, in response, has intensified its own air operations against Hezbollah, targeting suspected weapons storage facilities in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley and six locations in southern Lebanon. These attacks have led to casualties, with Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reporting that four people were wounded in the Bekaa region, including three children.
The rising tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have led to calls from Israeli opposition leaders to take more decisive action against the Lebanese group. Benny Gantz, Netanyahu’s primary political rival, criticized the government for its handling of the situation in Israel’s north, arguing that the residents of the region have been neglected.
"It is time to exercise power and authority against Hezbollah and return the residents to their homes safely," Gantz posted on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting the growing pressure on the Israeli government to act.
The rising tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have led to calls from Israeli opposition leaders to take more decisive action against the Lebanese group. Benny Gantz, Netanyahu’s primary political rival, criticized the government for its handling of the situation in Israel’s north, arguing that the residents of the region have been neglected.
"It is time to exercise power and authority against Hezbollah and return the residents to their homes safely," Gantz posted on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting the growing pressure on the Israeli government to act.
The Broader Implications of the Conflict
The ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah add a dangerous new dimension to the already volatile situation in the Middle East. With Israel’s focus still on its war in Gaza, an expanded conflict with Hezbollah could lead to further instability, drawing in other regional actors and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
If the situation continues to deteriorate, the risk of a broader, multi-front war becomes increasingly real. Hezbollah’s warnings suggest that any Israeli escalation would not only lead to "large losses on both sides" but could also have profound consequences for the region as a whole. Both Israel and Lebanon could face further destruction and displacement, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
If the situation continues to deteriorate, the risk of a broader, multi-front war becomes increasingly real. Hezbollah’s warnings suggest that any Israeli escalation would not only lead to "large losses on both sides" but could also have profound consequences for the region as a whole. Both Israel and Lebanon could face further destruction and displacement, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
Comments
Post a Comment