The Middle East crisis: Response to Israel will be overwhelming, Iran threatens – “Hezbollah will pay a high price,” says Tel Aviv

Middle East in Flames: Iran Threatens a Crushing Response to Israel – “Hezbollah Will Pay a High Price,” Says Tel Aviv

The situation in the Middle East has escalated dramatically, with tensions heightening following explosions of Hezbollah’s bomb detonators and portable radios in Lebanon.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah declared that the recent explosions targeting the organization’s communication devices over the past two days in Lebanon could be seen as a declaration of war. In his first public statements since the unprecedented attacks, he described the events of Tuesday and Wednesday as “massacres,” saying that Hezbollah faced an unprecedented blow. He emphasized that these attacks are a test for the group.

However, Nasrallah also stated that the major impact on the communication devices would not lead to Hezbollah’s downfall, adding that Israel had crossed “red lines” with these attacks.

Watch a video of his remarks:

Watch video of Nasrallah’s statements here:

He further stated that “the Lebanon front with Israel will not cease until the end of the aggression in Gaza,” expressing hope that Israel would invade southern Lebanon, as this would provide a “historic opportunity” for Hezbollah.

As Nasrallah’s speech aired, witnesses reported low-flying fighter jets over Beirut.

Tehran Threatens Israel with a Crushing Response

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commander, Hossein Salami, threatened a “crushing response” to Israel on behalf of the resistance axis. According to Iranian state media, he conveyed this message to Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, after the attacks on the communication devices of the Shiite organization, which is an ally of Iran in Lebanon.

“These terrorist actions are undoubtedly the result of the Zionist regime’s (Israel’s) desperation and repeated failures. This will soon be met with a crushing response from the axis of resistance, and we will witness the destruction of this bloodthirsty and criminal regime,” said Salami in his message to Nasrallah.

“Our goal is to ensure the safe return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes. As time goes by, Hezbollah will pay an increasing price,” Yoav Gallant said

Follow more updates here https://t.co/3N9o2zNmnt pic.twitter.com/PsiYY4Zc2O

— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) September 19, 2024

Israel: Hezbollah Will Pay an Increasingly High Price

At the same time, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel’s military action against Hezbollah “will continue.”

“In this new phase of the war, there are significant opportunities but also major risks. Hezbollah feels under pressure. Our sequence of military operations will continue,” Gallant emphasized during a briefing with Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) officials.

“Our goal is to ensure the safe return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes. As time passes, Hezbollah will pay an increasingly higher price,” Gallant added.

Blinken Urges De-escalation

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken today warned of the risks of further escalation in the Middle East following the explosions of Hezbollah’s bomb detonators.

The news of the explosions came as Blinken was traveling to Cairo to meet with senior Egyptian officials in an effort to promote a ceasefire in Gaza and improve relations with Egypt.

In response to a question about the explosions, Blinken said that the U.S. is still gathering information but stressed that no one has an interest in expanding the conflict. “It is imperative that all parties avoid any action that could escalate the conflict,” Blinken stated at a press conference alongside his Egyptian counterpart.

Blinken also said he is focusing on securing a ceasefire agreement, which includes calming the situation along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. He mentioned that 15 of the 18 points of the ceasefire agreement have been agreed upon by all parties.

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