The leader of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, has issued a stark warning to Cyprus, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon. In a televised address on Wednesday, Nasrallah threatened to target Cyprus if war breaks out between Israel and Lebanon, stating, “Cyprus will be part of this war too” if it allows Israeli forces to use its airports and bases.
This threat from Hezbollah’s leader is unprecedented and comes in response to a recent warning from Israel. On Tuesday, Israeli officials cautioned that the possibility of an “all-out war” with Hezbollah was “getting very close.” Nasrallah’s address not only highlighted the militant group’s growing capabilities but also served as a fiery rebuttal to Israel’s warning, boasting of Hezbollah’s potential to “shake the pillars” of Israel if conflict ensues.
Cyprus, a European Union member situated about 125 miles from Lebanon in the Mediterranean Sea, has been involved in joint military exercises with Israel since 2014, with the most recent drills occurring last year. Nasrallah’s threat to Cyprus is particularly notable as it is the first time he has directly mentioned the island nation in this context.
A Growing Conflict
Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have been escalating since the October 7 Hamas attacks, followed by an intensive Israeli military campaign in Gaza. The frequency and intensity of cross-border skirmishes between Hezbollah and Israel have been on the rise, leading to heightened fears of a full-scale war.
On Tuesday, Hezbollah released a nine-minute drone video showcasing various civilian and military locations in and around Haifa, one of Israel’s largest cities. This display of intelligence prompted Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz to issue a severe warning, suggesting that an “all-out war” would lead to the destruction of Hezbollah and severe repercussions for Lebanon.
Nasrallah celebrated the drone footage as proof of Hezbollah’s expanding intelligence capabilities, declaring, “The enemy knows that no place in the entire (state) is safe from our missiles, and it won’t be arbitrary. Everything will be deliberately targeted.” He referenced Hezbollah’s slogan from the 2006 war with Israel, emphasizing their ability to strike Haifa and beyond.
International Reactions
In response to Nasrallah’s threat, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides affirmed that Cyprus has no involvement in the conflict. He stated, “The Republic of Cyprus is not part of the problem. The Republic of Cyprus is part of the solution,” highlighting the island’s role in humanitarian efforts recognized by the international community.
The Haifa Drone Footage
The Hezbollah-released video, analyzed and geolocated by CNN, includes footage of sensitive areas around Haifa, such as military installations, oil storage depots, and residential areas. The analysis suggests the drone mission lasted multiple hours or took place over several days, with parts of the video being sped up. According to weapons expert Wim Zwijnenburg, the drone used appears to be an Iranian-origin model, potentially manufactured locally.
Psychological Impact and Military Readiness
Haifa’s mayor, Yona Yahav, described the drone footage as “psychological terror” and criticized Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) commanders for neglecting the city’s defense since the October 7 attacks. He demanded a comprehensive defense plan for Haifa and a military strategy to neutralize the northern threat.
Preparing for Conflict
In light of these developments, the IDF has increased its readiness for potential conflict, validating operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi assured troops that Israel is prepared to counter Hezbollah’s capabilities, hinting at undisclosed military strengths.
Hezbollah’s ongoing rocket, missile, and drone attacks on northern Israel are claimed to be acts of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Meanwhile, Israel has conducted numerous strikes in Lebanon and evacuated thousands of residents from its northern regions. Diplomatic efforts by the U.S. to de-escalate tensions continue, but recent exchanges of fire along the Israel-Lebanon border indicate the situation remains volatile.
As the conflict intensifies, both sides brace for the possibility of a broader war, the fragile state of regional stability and the potential for widespread repercussions is also in view.
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