Hezbollah Threatens New Rocket Attacks on Israel Amid Ongoing Conflict and Civilian Casualties

 

Hezbollah Threatens New Rocket Attacks on Israel Amid Ongoing Conflict and Civilian Casualties

Hezbollah has warned it will target new locations with its rocket attacks if Israeli strikes on Lebanese civilians continue. The leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, made this threat during a televised speech on Wednesday. This statement raises fears that the ongoing low-level conflict between Israel and the Iran-aligned group could escalate into a full-scale war.

Nasrallah pointed out that recent Israeli attacks have killed eight non-combatants in Lebanon. He warned that if the civilian casualties continue, Hezbollah will start targeting new Israeli towns. 

"Continuing to target civilians will push the Resistance to launch missiles at settlements that were not previously targeted," Nasrallah said in his address marking the Shia holy day Ashura.

Five civilians, including three children, died in Israeli raids on Lebanon on Tuesday. Three more Lebanese civilians were killed the day before, according to state media and security sources.

Israel has stated that it is targeting Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure in Lebanon, not civilians. However, since October 7, Israeli attacks have killed over 500 people in Lebanon. Most of the dead have been Hezbollah fighters, but more than 100 civilians have also died. The attacks have caused significant destruction in Lebanese border villages.

Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel have resulted in the deaths of 17 soldiers and 13 civilians, leading to prolonged evacuation orders in the north of Israel. The deaths of children, reportedly playing in front of their home during the Israeli attack on Tuesday, have drawn widespread criticism. The UN children’s agency, UNICEF, called the incident “horrific” and highlighted the increasing risk to children as the violence continues, emphasizing that they must be protected under international law.

As tensions rise between Israel and Hezbollah, concerns about a full-scale war that could destabilize the region are growing. Israel has indicated it is preparing for a larger operation in Lebanon, though no final decision has been made. Hezbollah, on the other hand, has stated it does not seek war with Israel but is prepared for one if it occurs.

Nasrallah reaffirmed Hezbollah’s commitment to continue fighting, claiming Israel's military capabilities have weakened after 10 months of conflict in Gaza. He dismissed Israel’s ability to wage a full-scale war on its northern front, asserting that its forces are already stretched thin.

“If your tanks come to Lebanon … you will have no tanks left,” Nasrallah declared.

He also assured Lebanese citizens whose homes were destroyed by Israeli attacks that they would be rebuilt “more beautiful than they were before,” praising them as symbols of steadfastness and resistance.