The leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah group, Hassan Nasrallah, stated on Friday, January 10, that the deadly attack on an Israeli military convoy along the border was a message to Israel that further attacks on its members will not be tolerated. He also emphasized that Hezbollah does not seek war with Israel. In a video message addressed to thousands in southern Lebanon from an undisclosed location, Nasrallah said that Hezbollah is not afraid of war and is prepared to accept it if Israel intends to provoke further. This was Nasrallah's first statement since the killing of six Hezbollah members and an Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander on January 18 by Israel in Syrian territory. The group attacked an Israeli military convoy on Wednesday with anti-tank missiles, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and injuries to seven others. According to the Associated Press, Hezbollah's threat comes as the group is currently engaged in the Syrian civil war on behalf of Bashar al-Assad, the president and Iran's ally. In his speech on Friday, Nasrallah asserted, 'We are not afraid of war, and if it is imposed on us, we will not flee from it, and God willing, we will be victorious.' Several Lebanese officials, including Aladdin Boroujerdi, head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Parliament, were present among the audience of Nasrallah's message. He warned Israel against any new attacks, stating, 'You tried us once. Do not do it again.' Nasrallah added, 'We do not seek war, but we are not afraid of it, and Israel must understand this well.' The leader of Hezbollah further stated, 'In Islamic resistance, we have no fear of what is called rules of engagement. From now on, if a cadre or member of Hezbollah is assassinated, we hold Israel responsible for it and reserve the right to retaliate at any time and place with an appropriate method.' Israel and Hezbollah engaged in a bloody conflict in 2006, during which 1,200 Lebanese and 160 Israelis were killed, and much of Lebanon's infrastructure was destroyed.
Hassan Nasrallah: Hezbollah Does Not Seek War with Israel
Hassan Nasrallah of Hezbollah declared that while the group does not seek war with Israel, it is prepared to retaliate against any further provocations. This statement follows a recent attack on an Israeli military convoy that resulted in casualties. The situation is significant as it highlights ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel amidst the broader context of the Syrian civil war.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, stated that the group does not seek war with Israel but is prepared to retaliate against further provocations. This follows a Hezbollah attack on an Israeli convoy in response to the killing of its members by Israel.
- Hezbollah attacked an Israeli military convoy, killing two soldiers.
- The attack was in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah and Iranian members by Israel.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Hezbollah and Israel have a long history of conflict, including a major war in 2006. Hezbollah is supported by Iran and is involved in the Syrian civil war, backing the Assad regime.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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