Hezbollah vows 'appropriate' response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon

Hezbollah warns of 'appropriate' response

Hezbollah on Saturday vowed that Israel's escalating attacks in southern Lebanon would be met with an "appropriate" response, describing the latest violence as an "aggressive escalation" that reflects Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to strengthen his domestic political position and appease the far right. In a statement, the group said Israel's early Saturday strikes had expanded in scope and targeted civilians, killing 11 people and wounding 19 others according to Lebanon's Health Ministry.

Political motives alleged

The group accused Netanyahu of seeking "to strengthen his domestic political position, advance electoral objectives and appease the far right through the escalation," calling the attacks a "brutal massacre." Hezbollah warned that Israeli violations could not continue and would be met with "what is appropriate," describing any response as a defense of Lebanon, its people and national dignity.

Stalled withdrawal agreement

Hezbollah called on Lebanese authorities to pursue "available means" to halt the Israeli attacks and "not to insist on continuing the path of humiliating direct negotiations and offering free gifts to the enemy." The latest escalation comes despite a US-sponsored framework agreement reached on June 26, which provides for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and continued negotiations.

Israel has continued its attacks on Lebanon since March 2, with 4,335 people killed and 12,277 others injured according to official tallies. Israeli forces occupy areas in southern Lebanon — some for decades and others since the 2023-2024 war — while during the current assault they have advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory.