Hassan Nasrallah says the battle between Hezbollah and Israel will help determine the fate of Lebanon and the region.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah stressed that the Lebanese group’s battle with Israel was fraught with consequences and would help shape the future of the region, as the two sides continue to exchange fire daily.
In a speech delivered via video link on Friday, Nasrallah said the Israeli army was losing the war in Gaza, with Hezbollah attacks “putting pressure on Israel” from Lebanon.
“This battle is about Palestine, but also about the future of Lebanon and its water and oil resources,” Nasrallah said. “This front is a supporting front that is part of the battle that will strategically determine the fate of Palestine, Lebanon and the region. »
The Israeli military occupied parts of southern Lebanon for decades until its withdrawal in 2000, raising fears in the country that Israel’s ultimate goal was to control the water-rich areas of southern Lebanon.
Nasrallah added Friday that Hezbollah continues its operations against Israel, regardless of “narrow political calculations.”
The Iran-allied group began targeting Israeli troops along the border after the outbreak of the Gaza war. Throughout the recent conflict, Israel has regularly bombed villages in southern Lebanon.
Earlier on Friday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for several attacks on Israeli positions after saying Israeli bombing had killed a doctor in southern Lebanon.
The violence has forced thousands of Israelis to flee the north of the country, with fighting turning into a war of attrition, raising fears of a regional conflict.
Nasrallah’s comments Friday came days after Israeli Defense Minister Yaov Gallant warned that Lebanon would “pay the price” for Hezbollah’s actions, saying Israel had killed 300 of the group’s fighters.
“If you continue, we will accelerate,” Gallant said in a warning to Hezbollah.
But Nasrallah appeared to reject the threat, saying Hezbollah fighters remained at the border.
For months, Israeli leaders have emphasized the need to push Hezbollah off Israel’s northern border, including with a major attack if necessary.
Last week, Nasrallah warned Israel against launching an offensive in Lebanon, saying Hezbollah has military “surprises” it would use in the event of all-out war.
On Friday, US President Joe Biden said Israel had agreed to a proposal for a “lasting ceasefire” in Gaza that would help end hostilities with Lebanon.
“Once a ceasefire and hostage agreement is reached, it will open the possibility for much more progress, including calm along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon,” said the American president.
“The United States will help craft a diplomatic resolution – one that will ensure Israel’s security and allow people to return home safely without fear of attack. »
Hezbollah previously said it would stop its attacks on Israel when the war on Gaza ends.
