Hezbollah’s Qassem Warns Israel: Cease Aggression

Sheikh Naim Qassem, the deputy leader of Hezbollah, has issued a stern warning to Israel amid the ongoing conflict along the Lebanon-Israel border. Since Hamas’s unexpected attack on southern Israel on October 7, there has been an almost daily exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, who are allied with the Palestinian militants.

The conflict has resulted in the bombardment of border villages by Israel, leading to over 195 deaths in Lebanon, including a minimum of 142 Hezbollah fighters, as per an AFP count. On the Israeli side, 15 casualties have been reported, comprising nine soldiers and six civilians.

Qassem, in a strong statement, cautioned that Israel would face significant retaliation – a “real slap in the face” – if it chose to intensify the conflict. He emphasized that any hope for restored stability along the border hinges on the cessation of aggression in Gaza. Qassem asserted Hezbollah’s readiness to counter any continuous aggression, reflecting the group’s resolute stance against such hostilities.

This declaration came following Israeli airstrikes that reportedly demolished at least three houses in southern Lebanon. According to NNA, the Lebanese news agency, and the mayor of the impacted border community, these strikes occurred on Friday, with four houses in the village of Kfar Kila, near the Lebanon-Israel border, being targeted and three completely destroyed. Additionally, a fifth house was hit by artillery fire.

The Israeli army has confirmed carrying out airstrikes, artillery, and tank fire against Hezbollah observation posts and terrorist infrastructure in the Kfar Kila sector. The village mayor, Hassan Sheet, informed AFP that luckily, the homes were unoccupied during the bombings, with only about 100 residents remaining in Kfar Kila.

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for three attacks on Friday, including two against Israeli soldier deployments using Burkan missiles, known for their substantial explosive payload.

Mohammad Raad, the leader of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, echoed the sentiment of preparedness for conflict, stating that Israel is unprepared for what Hezbollah has in store. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, addressing Israeli soldiers, expressed readiness to ensure security by force on the northern border with Lebanon. He highlighted the potential need for forceful action if a respectful agreement ensuring security isn’t reached.

On the same day, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that a full-scale confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah would be disastrous.