Hassan Nasrallah’s address was composed and at times even straightforward – though the Secretary-General of Hezbollah displayed a predominantly defiant and unyielding stance as he confronted the troubling incidents of this week’s covert attacks – and the upcoming strategy of the Iran-supported Shia faction.
The main highlights revolved around two distinct – yet ultimately interconnected – dangers.
Initially, he vowed a militaristic reaction to the explosions involving pagers and walkie-talkies that have claimed 37 lives and injured thousands in Lebanon.
He attributed the attacks to Israel and stated that they “have breached all boundaries of tolerance.”
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The funeral in Beirut for a victim of the explosions. Pic: AP
They would face, he asserted, “appropriate retribution”.
He continued: “When, where, and how? You’ll find out when the moment arrives. We won’t divulge details here.”
Mr. Nasrallah was reluctant to clarify his intentions, but it was evident that he is gearing up for a significant escalation of hostilities with Israel in the vicinity of the southern Lebanese border.
Both parties have been engaged in a reciprocal conflict that commenced last October when Hezbollah initiated attacks using rockets and missiles in solidarity with Hamas.
Mr. Nasrallah cautioned his audience that they should understand that 60,000 displaced Israeli citizens will not be returning to their homes.
Authorities and explosive specialists investigate a questionable device in Beirut. Pic: AP
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Recent explosions at the funeral of Hezbollah members
“Do as you wish, you will be unable to bring them back,” he remarked. “Neither military aggression, assassination, nor an all-out war will restore your settlers and inhabitants to the border. You are aware of this.”
While Hezbollah possesses the capability to deploy tens of thousands of seasoned fighters, Mr. Nasrallah recognizes that they would face challenges in a traditional war against a technologically advanced adversary.
force – as the recent assaults have helped to demonstrate.
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Lebanon explosions: What occurred?
Nonetheless, a significant Israeli invasion into southern Lebanon could alter the scenario. The landscape is rugged, and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) would be engaged on hostile territory.
To date, the leadership in Israel appears hesitant to pursue this course of action.
Further reading:
Hezbollah’s leader – pager explosions ‘an unparalleled setback’
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Nonetheless, they were determined not to allow Mr. Nasrallah to deliver his speech unchallenged.
Halfway through his presentation, which was aired nationally on television, a powerful sonic boom echoed across Beirut as a fighter jet broke the sound barrier.
Viewers listen to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s address in Beirut. Pic: AP
This served as a potent reminder, if one was needed, that the Israelis are within proximity – and the toll of war is steep.
