Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah Threatens New Israeli Targets if Civilian Attacks in Lebanon Continue
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
6 minutes read. Updated 2:48PM GMT Wed, 17July, 2024
Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese militant group, has issued a stark warning to Israel, indicating that it will target new areas with rocket attacks if Israeli operations against civilians in Lebanon continue. This threat, delivered by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a televised address on Wednesday, signals a potential escalation in the already tense conflict that has simmered since the onset of the Gaza war.
Nasrallah’s address, which coincided with the Shia Holy Day of Ashura, highlighted the recent casualties among Lebanese non-combatants due to Israeli attacks. He stated unequivocally that any further civilian bloodshed would compel Hezbollah to expand its missile targets to include previously untargeted Israeli towns.
“Continuing to target civilians will push the Resistance to launch missiles at settlements that were not previously targeted,” Nasrallah warned, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
In the past few days, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in significant civilian casualties. On Tuesday alone, five civilians, including three children, were killed in these attacks. State media and security sources reported additional fatalities, bringing the civilian death toll to eight over recent days.
Israel has maintained that its strikes are aimed at Hezbollah fighters and their infrastructure, denying any intention to harm civilians. However, the human toll since October 7 has been severe, with over 500 fatalities in Lebanon, including more than 100 civilians. The ongoing attacks have also caused widespread destruction in Lebanese border villages, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Hezbollah’s retaliation has not been without consequences for Israel. According to authorities, Hezbollah’s operations have resulted in the deaths of 17 Israeli soldiers and 13 civilians, prompting prolonged evacuation orders in Israel’s northern regions. The tragic deaths of children, reportedly playing in front of their home during Tuesday’s bombardment, have sparked widespread condemnation and highlighted the conflict’s devastating impact on innocent lives.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has described the incident as “horrific,” emphasizing that the violence poses a severe risk to children, who must be protected under international law. “More children are at risk as long as the violence continues,” UNICEF stated in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
As tensions continue to rise, fears of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah are growing. While Israel has indicated its readiness for a broader military operation in Lebanon, no official decision has been made. Hezbollah, on its part, has expressed a reluctance to enter a full-scale war but has vowed to be prepared if conflict becomes inevitable.
Nasrallah, reiterating his group’s resolve, claimed that Israel’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened by the protracted conflict in Gaza. He dismissed the notion that Israel could sustain a northern front war, boldly stating, “If your tanks come to Lebanon … you will have no tanks left.”
In a message aimed at bolstering the morale of Lebanese citizens, Nasrallah promised that homes destroyed by Israeli attacks would be rebuilt “more beautiful than they were before,” symbolizing Lebanon’s resilience and resistance.
As the international community watches closely, the situation remains precarious, with the potential for a significant escalation that could destabilize the entire region.
