The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah has issued a stern warning of a “major escalation” in the conflict with Israel after a series of deadly Israeli airstrikes killed 12 people, including seven Syrians and five Lebanese, in the deadliest attack since a November ceasefire took hold.
In a statement, Hezbollah described the attack as “a major escalation in the context of the ongoing aggression against Lebanon and its people”. The group called on the Lebanese government to “take serious, immediate and decisive action” to uphold the truce with Israel, emphasizing the need for a strong and effective response to protect the country and its citizens.
Hezbollah also demanded that the United States, as the sponsor of the ceasefire, live up to its responsibility and take action to prevent further aggression by Israel. The group’s statement underscored the importance of international accountability and the need for decisive measures to address the ongoing violence.
“In absence of an official, strong and effective position, and the continuing negligence and inaction internationally, will only lead to more violations and aggression,” Hezbollah warned, highlighting the consequences of inaction in the face of Israeli aggression.
The Israeli airstrikes targeted the Bekaa and Baalbek-Hermel governorates, resulting in 12 injuries in addition to the fatalities. All the deaths occurred in Wadi Fara in the Baalbek district, underscoring the severity of the attack. Since the November ceasefire, Israel has launched near-daily attacks across Lebanon, violating the truce and contributing to the escalating tensions between the two countries.
Hezbollah’s statement made it clear that the group views resistance as a legitimate choice in the face of Israeli aggression. “Israel is trying to press on Lebanon’s ‘national will’,” Hezbollah said, “but the Lebanese people will hold on to resistance as a choice to confront the enemy”.
This stance reflects the group’s commitment to defending Lebanon’s sovereignty and its people against Israeli aggression, and highlights the complexities of the conflict in the region. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains watchful, urging restraint and a return to diplomacy to prevent further escalation.