The deputy leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah has said that Israel was “not in a position” to impose its preferences over the militant group’s presence in the border area while its war in Gaza rages, AFP has reported.
The Israel-Lebanon border has been rocked by escalating exchanges of fire, mainly between the Israeli army and Iran-backed Hezbollah, since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7, raising fears of a broader conflict.
The army has evacuated thousands of civilians from the border area, and Israel has been pushing for Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of the frontier.
Hezbollah number two Naim Qassem said Israel was putting forward proposals and “trying to show that it has options” to help return displaced Israeli residents and push Hezbollah from the border area.
“Israel is not in a position to impose its options,” Qassem said in a speech, warning that Israel “first must stop the Gaza war in order for the war in Lebanon to stop”.
“The persistent bombing of civilians in Lebanon means the response will be stronger and proportionate to the Israeli aggression,” Qassem added.
Since the cross-border hostilities began, more than 160 people have been killed on the Lebanese side, most of them Hezbollah combatants but including more than 20 civilians, three of them journalists, according to an AFP tally.
On the Israeli side, at least five civilians and nine soldiers have been killed, according to the military.
Hezbollah has claimed repeated attacks on Israeli troops and positions, saying its actions are in support of its ally Hamas, while Israel has been striking south Lebanon.
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
