Lebanon’s Hezbollah said on Saturday that Israel’s escalation, including the targeting of civilians and the expansion of areas under attack, reflects Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “desire and intention” to intensify the war in order to strengthen his domestic political position, serve his electoral objectives and satisfy the far right.
In a statement addressing the latest Israeli attacks on Lebanon, Hezbollah held “the enemy government and the United States, which provides it with support and cover” responsible for the continued aggression and violations of Lebanese sovereignty.
The group called on the Lebanese authorities to explore “available means to stop this aggression” and to abandon what it described as the continued pursuit of “humiliating direct negotiations and the offering of free concessions to the enemy”, despite Israel’s crimes, attacks and declared expansionist intentions towards Lebanon.
Hezbollah Urges Lebanese Authorities to Change Course
Hezbollah also called on the Lebanese authorities to conduct a “comprehensive review” of their policies in a way that protects Lebanon’s sovereignty and rights, rather than continuing with approaches that it said had demonstrated their inability to protect the country and its people.
The group urged the government to adopt a “national, courageous and responsible position” and to stop “chasing negotiations into which the Americans are dragging it”.
It said reliance on American guarantees and mediation was a “failed bet”, arguing that the United States is “a partner of the Israeli enemy in its crimes and massacres against Lebanon”.
Hezbollah also warned that the approach being taken by the Lebanese authorities poses risks to Lebanon’s unity, security and independence, calling on Lebanese people “of all components” to recognise those dangers.
The group also directed a message to Israel, saying its attacks, violations and attempts to impose new realities “cannot continue” and “will be met with what is appropriate”, in defence of Lebanon, its people, sovereignty and national dignity.
Israeli Strikes Hit Southern Lebanon
Hezbollah’s statement followed a series of Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon.
Israeli forces carried out a drone strike on the town of Deir al-Zahrani in the Nabatieh district, while three additional Israeli strikes targeted the surroundings of Nabatieh al-Fawqa and the outskirts of Ansar earlier on Saturday.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health said the Israeli strike on Deir al-Zahrani killed two people and wounded nine others.
The initial toll from the Israeli strike on Ansar stood at six victims, according to a preliminary count.
Lebanese Prime Minister Condemns Escalation
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also condemned the Israeli escalation since early Saturday, describing it as “extremely dangerous” and saying it undermines efforts to consolidate stability.
“The victims of the Israeli strike on Ansar are not military infrastructure, and neither are children and women,” Salam said in a press statement.
He added that “dealing with any military infrastructure is exclusively the responsibility of the state, and this does not give Israel the right to violate our territory”.
