Hezbollah ‘ready’ to engage in all-out war with Israel

Hezbollah says it is not seeking to widen conflict with Israel but ‘will not allow Israel to secure any victories’

LEBANON:

Hezbollah, an ally of Palestinian freedom fighting group Hamas, says it has been striking Israel in support of Palestinians under Israeli bombardment in Gaza. It has previously said it will commit to a cease fire when the Israeli offensive on Gaza stops.

Hezbollah deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem told broadcaster Al Jazeera that the group's decision was not to widen the war but that it would fight one if it was imposed on it. Qassem said the Lebanon front would not stop until the Gaza war stops, Al Jazeera quoted him as saying.

He asserted Hezbollah's readiness for battle and its determination not to allow Israel to claim any victories. Qassem warned of dire consequences should Israel seek to expand the war into Lebanon, promising destructionand displacement in Israel as a response. He stated unequivocally that Hezbollah is prepared for an all-out war if Israel chooses to initiate one.

Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in hostilities for the past eight months, coinciding with Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza.

Israel has killed more than 36,400 Palestinians and wounded at least 82,600 others during its wart on Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis.

This ongoing exchange of fire between Israel and Lebanon has also raised concerns about the potential for a broader conflict between these well-armed adversaries.

Qassem highlighted the enduring connection between the Lebanese front and Gaza, echoing sentiments expressed by Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who has consistently characterized the group's support for Gaza as unwavering.

The cross-border violence, which has fluctuated over recent months, escalated in recent days. Hezbollah announced on Tuesday that it had launched a squadron of one-way attack drones at an Israeli military barracks for the second consecutive day, citing it as a response to a deadly Israeli attack on Lebanon. Meanwhile, sirens blared in northern Israel, underscoring the heightened tensions in the region.

"The current situation is not sustainable," remarked an unnamed official, highlighting that the ongoing hostilities represent the most severe escalation between Israel and Hezbollah since their conflict in 2006.

Tens of thousands of individuals on either side of the border have been compelled to evacuate their residences. Israel's war cabinet is scheduled to convene later on Tuesday, primarily to address the situation on the northern front.

Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer remarked on Tuesday that the ongoing conflict in the north is unsustainable. He affirmed Israel's commitment to ensuring the safety of evacuated Israelis.

Mencer stated that it is Hezbollah's decision whether this is achieved through diplomatic negotiations or force, asserting Israel's stance in defending its sovereignty.

Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser to US President Joe Biden involved in diplomatic efforts for de-escalation, suggested last week that a phased implementation of a land border agreement between Israel and Lebanon could help alleviate tensions.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch, a member of the right-wing Likud Party and not part of Israel's war cabinet, stated on Israeli Army Radio on Monday that Israel must engage in military action to push Hezbollah beyond the Litani River, situated near the Lebanese city of Tyre, approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles) from the border.

Since October 7, Israeli strikes have reportedly killed around 300 Hezbollah members and approximately 80 civilians. In return, attacks from Lebanon into Israel have resulted in the deaths of 18 Israeli soldiers and 10 civilians, according to the Israeli military. On Monday, rockets launched from Lebanon caused wildfires in northern Israel.

Hezbollah stated on Monday that it had deployed a squadron of drones against an Israeli target in retaliation for Israel's killing of a Hezbollah member. While Hezbollah has utilized drones in the conflict previously, this marked the first time it openly declared launching a squadron of them.

The group asserted that Tuesday's drone launch was in response to what it deemed an Israeli assassination in the border town of Naqoura.