Nasrallah warns Israel: Bloodshed for killing Lebanese civilians

Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, issued a stern warning on Friday, stating Israel would face severe repercussions for its actions in south Lebanon, specifically referring to the casualties among civilians. This statement came in retaliation to threats from Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant about intensifying military strikes within Lebanon.

During a speech broadcasted on television to commemorate Hezbollah’s ‘Martyr Leaders Day,’ Nasrallah declared a vow of vengeance, emphasizing the gravity of the situation by stating, “The enemy will pay in blood for the killing of our women and children in Nabatiyeh, Sawwaneh, and other areas.” He suggested that further actions and responses would unfold on the battlefield itself.

The backdrop to these threats includes ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, with exchanges of fire becoming a near-daily occurrence since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7. A particularly devastating day occurred on Wednesday, marking the highest casualties in over four months of conflict, with both civilians and Hezbollah operatives, including a commander, being killed. In what Nasrallah termed an “initial response,” Hezbollah retaliated by launching numerous rockets into Kiryat Shmona, a northern Israeli settlement.

Nasrallah condemned the Israeli strikes in Nabatiyeh and Sawwaneh as “deliberate massacres,” highlighting the specific significance these civilian casualties hold for Hezbollah. He underscored the resolve of Hezbollah, despite the targeted killings and destruction, to not be deterred from its objectives.

Addressing Gallant’s threats directly, Nasrallah dismissed the Israeli defense minister as irrational and boasted about Hezbollah’s capability to strike extensively within Israel, from Kiryat Shmona down to Eilat, utilizing its arsenal of precise missiles.

Gallant had previously asserted Israel’s military reach, suggesting potential strikes well beyond the immediate border areas, including Beirut and other locations.

Nasrallah further commented on the discourse surrounding the costs and implications of resistance versus surrender, arguing that surrender would entail far greater and more dire consequences for Lebanon.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with the Lebanese toll including both Hezbollah fighters and civilians, while Israel has seen both military and civilian casualties. The conflict has also led to the displacement of thousands and continues amidst indirect talks aimed at finding a political resolution.