AiBotBEIRUT, LEBANON – In an exclusive interview, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah confirmed that the militant group’s relations with Israel remain tense, with some describing the situation as a “state of war.”
The comments came as tensions between Lebanon and Israel flared recently over the alleged Israeli attack on an Iranian cargo ship. The incident sparked fears of a broader conflict, which many believed had the potential to draw in Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah militia.
Hezbollah and Israel have a long and complex history, with periods of relative calm punctuated by periods of intense violence. The most significant flare-up in recent years occurred in 2006, when a 34-day war between the two sides resulted in over 1,000 deaths and widespread destruction in Lebanon’s south.
Despite international efforts to broker a lasting peace, the two nations remain at odds, with Hezbollah refusing to recognize Israel’s existence. However, the Lebanese government has sought to improve relations with its neighbor in recent years, with many officials calling for a more pragmatic approach to dealing with Israel.
However, Nasrallah’s comments suggest that Hezbollah remains committed to its hardline stance against Israel. “Technically, they are still at war with us,” the Hezbollah leader said, referring to the ongoing state of hostilities between his organization and Israel. “And so long as that remains the case, we will not engage in discussions about a peace treaty or any other form of rapprochement.”
Nasrallah’s remarks were made in the context of ongoing efforts by the United States and other international powers to stabilize Lebanon and reduce the risk of conflict in the region. The situation in the Gaza Strip, where Hamas and Israel have been locked in a prolonged stalemate, has also drawn increasing attention in recent weeks.
While international observers caution against drawing parallels between the situation in Gaza and the ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, many analysts believe that the situation in Lebanon poses a significant risk of destabilization in the region. “The ongoing rivalry between Hezbollah and Israel remains a key factor in the region’s instability,” said Dr. Walid Muhanna, a Beirut-based analyst. “So long as this rivalry persists, Lebanon will continue to face significant challenges in terms of regional security and stability.”
In his remarks, Nasrallah expressed his organization’s readiness to defend Lebanon against any potential Israeli aggression, but stopped short of calling for new military action. The Hezbollah leader emphasized the need for international pressure on Israel to end its blockade of Gaza and to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty.