Hezbollah warns of containing Israel as IDF plans new operations in Gaza Will Lebanon be dragged in?

In an interview with the Lebanese media network LBCI on March 6 night, Deputy Secretary General of the Lebanese Shia militant group Sheikh Naim Qassem asserted the organization's commitment to a defensive stance amid the latest exchange of strikes with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

"We don't want to drag Lebanon into a big war, but we are interested in containing Israel," Qassem said commenting on the latest exchange of strikes with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), Detaly.co.il reports.

He emphasized Hezbollah's dedication to preventing Lebanon from being drawn into a larger conflict while expressing concern about the potential for Israel to initiate hostilities without justification.

"Hezbollah is taking a defensive position in this war. We are against Lebanon being dragged into the war. But we have a dangerous Israeli enemy at our side, who could start a war with Lebanon at any moment without any justification or explanation if we don't contain it now, at an early stage. Our interest is to continue to contain Israel," Qassem explained.

Drawing parallels with Hezbollah's experience in Syria, Sheikh Naim Qassem highlighted the organization's approach to countering Israel: "In going to war against Israel, we are using our experience in Syria," he continued.

“The way we stopped ISIS back then, through preventive defence, is exactly the same tactic we are using against Israel today," the Hezbollah representative added.

As tensions persist in the region, recent developments indicate the approval of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) plans for operations in Rafah, al-Bureijeh, and Nusseirat by the Chief of General Staff ten days ago.

The imminent question now lies with the government, which must decide on the timing and specific settlements for launching combat operations against Hamas forces.

Preparations for potential military operations include options for evacuating the population of the Gaza Strip from areas where the operations will occur.

Additionally, an agreement with the Egyptian government is in place if the IDF initiates operations in Rafah.

Amid these developments, it has been reported that Hamas, in recent days, has been attempting to ascertain the whereabouts and condition of hostages, with indications that communication among the group's commanders and units is not constant. Despite reported impasses in negotiations, Israel has not ruled out the possibility of a deal, expressing readiness to return to the negotiating table. However, any resumption of talks is contingent on signals from Hamas within the next few days. The situation remains dynamic, and the international community closely monitors the evolving circumstances in the region.