The head of Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hassan Nasrallah, will now break the weeks of silence since the deadly attack by Hamas that sparked the war with Israel last month.
Following the October 7 attack, Lebanon’s southern border has seen an increase in exchanges of fire, particularly between Israel and Hezbollah, fueling fears of an even bigger conflagration.
The cross-border attacks escalated on Thursday, when Israel responded with a “broad attack” after Hezbollah claimed to have attacked 19 Israeli positions simultaneously.
Rockets also hit the northern city of Kiryat Shmona, near the border, in a bombing claimed by the Lebanese section of the armed wing of Hamas.
The city, as well as 42 border communities, was evacuated last month by the army and the Ministry of Defense amid repeated attacks. Many residents of northern towns were independently evacuated to the south amid the attacks.
In addition, an Iranian-sponsored militia that was originally sent to Syria has begun to strengthen Hezbollah.
Before Nasrallah’s speech, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari sent a message to the Iranian-backed Lebanese terrorist group.
“We are ready to respond on any front if necessary,” Hagari said. “In the north we are ready and will continue to respond to any attack, now and in the coming days,” he added.
“Iran urges its proxies against Israel, we will retaliate on any front against any threat. There is the highest alert, also in the north.”
