Hezbollah, Israel Trade Threats And Warnings As Border Heats Up

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — In an interview on the Lebanese-based Al-Manar site, a Hezbollah commander identified as Haj Jihad claimed that “The enemy will not be able to leave Lebanon during the next war if he arrives”, adding that “All the places where he will stay in Lebanon will become graveyards.”

The commanded added that Hezbollah “has completed the preparations and equipment requirements to actualize the promise of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, that the world will see the defeat of the Israeli army in any future conflict.”

The commander claimed that “we are standing before an army lacking fighting ability” and added that “it is possible to achieve victory.”

He added that “Our battle will be over the Galilee and the enemy’s preparations confirm that he intends to defend the Galilee. However if he enters our land, he won’t be able to leave.”

The belligerent threats follow warnings by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last Tuesday that if war were to break out with Hezbollah it would result in Lebanon returning “to the stone age”.

Gallant’s statement comes after weeks of repeated skirmishes with the Hezbollah in the border area between the two countries.

“Do not make a mistake. We do not want a war. But we are prepared to protect our civilians, our soldiers and our sovereignty,” Gallant said in a video statement to The Times of Israel site.

Addressing Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, Gallant said: “You have made mistakes in the past, you have paid very heavy prices. If … an escalation or conflict develops here, we will return Lebanon to the Stone Age.”

Speaking during a visit to the border area, Gallant went on to say that Israel would not hesitate to use its power to “erode every inch of Hezbollah and Lebanon if we have to”.