Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, issued a stark warning to Israel in response to the killing of Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Aruri in Beirut.
Nasrallah’s televised speech on Friday emphasized the inevitability of responding to what he described as a significant violation. He stated that remaining silent would leave Lebanon vulnerable.
The warning comes after the Israeli drone strike in southern Beirut, which resulted in the death of six individuals, including Hamas leader Saleh al-Aruri, a founding member of Hamas’s armed wing.
In the wake of the recent Gaza war, Nasrallah sees an opportunity to liberate disputed areas along the Lebanon-Israel border. His speech also highlighted the ongoing cross-border exchanges of fire since the war’s outbreak on October 7. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant preferred a diplomatic resolution, though he acknowledged the possibility of escalating military actions.
Western diplomats have converged on Beirut, calling for restraint amidst this escalation. Nasrallah accused Israel of underreporting its military losses, citing Hezbollah’s footage as evidence. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, including Hezbollah fighters, civilians, and journalists.
