Hezbollah and Israel exchange military threats and attacks along Lebanese border

Hezbollah Reiterates Defiance Amid Ongoing Conflict with Israel

A statement from Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Qassem, has reaffirmed the group’s rejection of peace talks with Israel as war across the border continues. The Lebanon-based armed group condemned Beirut’s discussions with Israel and reiterated its commitment to a campaign of strikes against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

In response, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Hezbollah’s defiance would lead to catastrophic consequences. Katz stated that Hezbollah’s actions would “burn all of Lebanon.”

Hezbollah has criticized the Lebanese government for entering talks with Israel, which was sparked by the United States-Israeli war on Tehran. The group has resumed attacks against Israel since March 2 and has outlined pre-conditions for any dialogue with Israel, including an end to aggression, withdrawal from occupied territories, prisoner release, and reconstruction.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has also entered the discussion, stating that direct talks with Israel aim to end the conflict with Hezbollah. However, Katz accused Aoun of “gambling with the future of Lebanon,” emphasizing the need for disarmament.

The Israeli military has reported conducting strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure sites in eastern Lebanon and targeting towns in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah claims attacks on Israeli forces within southern Lebanon.

According to the Health Ministry, Israeli attacks have resulted in 2,521 deaths and 7,804 injuries since March 2. The conflict continues, with both sides trading fire despite a formal ceasefire.

Source: Al Jazeera