Hezbollah Leader Vows Continued Long-Range Strikes on Israeli Territory
Beirut, Lebanon – Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah has vowed to continue long-rangeattacks on Israeli territory, escalating tensions in the region. In a video address on November 6, Nasrallah declared that Lebanon is facing an invasionby Israel and that Hezbollah will not cease its operations until Israel ends its aggression and respects Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Nasrallahemphasized that any future negotiations with Israel would be contingent on Israel ending its violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty. He stated that Hezbollah would continue to engage in armed conflict with Israel, extending beyond the temporary border between the two countries.
Hezbollah will use long-range weapons to continue striking Israeli territory until Israel pays the price, Nasrallah asserted. Israel will face rocket and drone attacks. There is no place in Israel that is beyond the reach of Hezbollah drones and rockets.
Hezbollah’s declaration comes amidst heightened tensions following the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza. The conflict has spilled over into Lebanon, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions and infrastructure.
In a further escalation, Hezbollah announced that it has acquired Fateh-110 ballistic missiles, aweapon capable of striking targets up to 300 kilometers away. The missile, which can carry a 500-kilogram warhead, represents a significant addition to Hezbollah’s arsenal and poses a serious threat to Israel.
Hezbollah’s Arsenal: A Growing Threat
The recent escalation of violencehas prompted a renewed focus on Hezbollah’s military capabilities. According to reports from US media outlets, Hezbollah possesses a vast arsenal of rockets and missiles, estimated to number between 120,000 and 200,000. This arsenal includes a wide range of weapons, from short-rangeKatyusha rockets with a range of 4 to 40 kilometers to longer-range Scud missiles capable of reaching 300 to 500 kilometers.
The Scud missiles, in particular, pose a significant threat to Israel, as they can reach the southernmostparts of the country, effectively covering the entire Israeli territory. However, these missiles face the challenge of overcoming Israel’s sophisticated Iron Dome air defense system.
Beyond rockets and missiles, Hezbollah also possesses a variety of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), portable air defense systems, and surface-to-air missile systems.This diverse arsenal demonstrates Hezbollah’s commitment to maintaining a formidable military force capable of challenging Israel’s military superiority.
The Implications of Hezbollah’s Threat
Nasrallah’s declaration and Hezbollah’s growing military capabilities have raised serious concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region. The threat oflong-range strikes on Israeli territory could trigger a wider conflict, potentially drawing in regional powers and escalating the situation beyond the current conflict between Israel and Palestinian factions.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to de-escalate tensions. However, the current climate ofmistrust and animosity makes a peaceful resolution appear increasingly difficult.
Conclusion
Hezbollah’s vow to continue long-range attacks on Israeli territory represents a significant escalation of the conflict in the region. The group’s growing military capabilities, including the acquisition of advanced ballistic missiles, pose a serious threat to Israeland raise concerns about the potential for further escalation. The international community must work to de-escalate tensions and encourage dialogue between the parties to prevent a wider conflict.
References:
- Hezbollah Leader: Will Continue Long-Range Strikes on Israel, Xinhua News Agency, November 7, 2024.
- Hezbollah Says It Has Acquired ‘Fateh-110’ Ballistic Missiles, The New York Times, November 7, 2024.
- Hezbollah’s Arsenal: A Growing Threat to Israel, CNN, November8, 2024.
- International Community Urges Restraint in Lebanon-Israel Conflict, Reuters, November 8, 2024.
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