Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Iran's foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, issued a stern warning to Israel, urging an immediate halt to its attacks on Gaza. He highlighted the potential for the conflict to expand to other regions of the Middle East, particularly if Hezbollah becomes involved, an outcome that could spell disaster for Israel.
Speaking to reporters in Beirut, Amirabdollahian emphasized that Lebanon's Hezbollah group had thoroughly considered various war scenarios, and it was of utmost importance for Israel to cease its attacks on Gaza without delay.
Israel has long regarded Hezbollah as its most significant immediate threat, estimating that the group possesses a formidable arsenal of approximately 150,000 rockets and missiles, including precision-guided projectiles capable of reaching any part of Israel. Furthermore, Hezbollah boasts a substantial force of battle-hardened fighters with extensive experience gained during Syria's 12-year conflict. The group also possesses a range of military drones, adding to its military capabilities.
In response to last Saturday's attack by Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers, Hezbollah fighters have been on high alert along Lebanon's borders with Israel. Tensions have escalated, and confrontations have occurred.
Notably, the Israeli military reported that a drone strike near the Lebanon border thwarted an attempted infiltration by a "cell" into Israel. Hezbollah, on the other hand, claimed responsibility for launching several rockets at four Israeli positions along the border.
Amirabdollahian revealed that he had a meeting with Hezbollah's leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, during which he gained insights into the group's current conditions in Lebanon. The foreign minister warned that any actions taken by the Hezbollah resistance would have a significant impact on Israel, describing it as a potential "earthquake" for the Zionist entity.
He emphasized the urgency of halting crimes against civilians in Gaza, cautioning that the window for such action might be rapidly closing.
In response to the escalating tensions and with a focus on the potential Hezbollah threat, U.S. President Joe Biden has issued warnings to other Middle East players, urging them not to become embroiled in the conflict. The United States has deployed American warships to the region and pledged unwavering support for Israel.
Amirabdollahian announced his intent to contact U.N. officials in the Middle East, expressing hope for the possibility of an initiative to end the war. However, he noted that time was of the essence, and the opportunity for such an initiative might be diminishing rapidly.
The current situation raises painful memories of a bitter month-long war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006, which concluded in a stalemate and a tenuous truce between the two sides. The prospect of a new front in Lebanon is a cause for concern, with the potential for devastating consequences in the already volatile Middle East.
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