Hezbollah Warns Israel Over Escalation at Lebanon Border

Hezbollah’s deputy leader issued a warning on Saturday regarding Israel’s potential plan to launch a large-scale war aimed at enabling 100,000 displaced people to return to areas near the Lebanon border. Sheikh Naim Qassem, the second-in-command of the Iran-backed group, cautioned that such an action would lead to the displacement of “hundreds of thousands” more.

Qassem’s remarks came after Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed Israel’s determination to secure its northern border, telling Israeli troops that the country is preparing for any developments in the north.

Speaking in Beirut, Qassem stated: “We have no desire for war, as we believe it would not be beneficial. However, if Israel initiates a conflict, we will respond, and there will be significant losses on both sides.”

He further warned that if Israel believes that war would allow the return of displaced people, “they should be ready to handle the displacement of hundreds of thousands more.”

Since Hamas launched its October 7 attack on Israel, Hezbollah has been engaging in near-daily exchanges of fire with Israeli forces in support of the Palestinian group, leading to ongoing conflict.

The violence along the border has caused the displacement of thousands from both Lebanon and Israel. According to an AFP report, since early October, 623 people have been killed in Lebanon, mostly fighters but also including at least 142 civilians. On the Israeli side, 24 soldiers and 26 civilians, including those in the Golan Heights, have been confirmed dead.