Israel has issued a direct warning to Hezbollah, threatening a “severe and impactful blow” if the Lebanese group joins the escalating confrontation following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, while Hezbollah issued a statement formally condemning the attacks and declared full solidarity with Tehran after maintaining silence since the escalation.
The warning came from Major General Rafi Milo, commander of Israel’s Northern Command, who said the military is actively preparing for the possibility of Hezbollah entering the conflict.
“We are also preparing for the possibility of Hezbollah joining the combat,” Milo said Saturday. “If they make that mistake, we will act forcefully, and we know how to deliver a severe and impactful blow.”
His remarks underscore growing concern in Israel that the confrontation with Iran could quickly expand into Lebanon, opening a northern front.
Hezbollah Only “Condemns”
Hours after Israel’s warning, Hezbollah issued a statement condemning what it described as “U.S.-Israeli aggression” against Iran.
The group denounced the strikes as a violation of international law and expressed full solidarity with the Iranian leadership and people. Hezbollah also reiterated its position that Iran has the right to pursue what it called peaceful nuclear capabilities and defensive missile development.
In its statement, Hezbollah framed the attacks as part of a broader regional power struggle rather than solely a dispute over Iran’s nuclear program, arguing that the confrontation reflects opposition to Iran’s regional influence and sovereignty.
The group did not, however, explicitly announce military intervention or specify whether it intends to open a front against Israel.
That ambiguity leaves room for interpretation and keeps the northern border in a state of heightened uncertainty.
Lebanon Moves to Contain Escalation
Lebanese officials quickly signaled their desire to avoid being drawn into the confrontation.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned that Lebanon would not accept being pulled into “adventures” that threaten national security.
President Joseph Aoun echoed those concerns, emphasizing that protecting Lebanon from the consequences of external conflicts is an absolute priority. The presidency confirmed consultations with the prime minister, the army commander, and the U.S. ambassador amid the unfolding crisis.
Whether Hezbollah’s solidarity statement evolves into military engagement or remains rhetorical may determine whether the conflict stays limited or expands into a broader regional war.
Joint Strikes and Regional Fallout
Earlier Saturday, the United States and Israel carried out coordinated military strikes targeting Tehran and other Iranian locations. Israeli sources have suggested that senior Iranian leadership figures were among the intended targets, though confirmation remains limited.
In response, Iran officially announced it is targeting U.S. military bases in the region, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared the launch of what it described as a large-scale retaliatory operation against Israel.
The exchange has sharply increased the risk of a multi-front confrontation involving Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.
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