As Israeli forces broaden their ground operations into southwest Lebanon, Hezbollah’s deputy leader declared Tuesday that the group has surpassed the “painful blows” dealt by Israel. Naim Qassem emphasized that the conflict is a test of endurance, stating, “Hezbollah will not cry first,” and affirmed that their capabilities remain intact after a year of fighting.
The escalating tensions trace back to a year ago when Hamas attacked southern Israel, igniting a series of Israeli land and air operations over Lebanon and direct confrontations with Iran. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, warned Israel against any assaults on Iranian infrastructure, asserting that such actions would be met with retaliation.
Araqchi is set to visit Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern nations to discuss regional issues and mobilize efforts to halt what he called Israel’s “crimes” in Gaza and Lebanon, according to Iran’s ISNA news agency. Meanwhile, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, urged for a ceasefire, noting that the situation in Lebanon is deteriorating daily, with 20% of the population displaced.
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