Hezbollah leader, Naim Qassem, said the group is prepared for a long battle with Israel. This comes after Israel warned it would make Lebanon pay a high price by targeting infrastructure.
Qassem called the conflict “existential,” not a small fight, and said Israelis would be surprised by Hezbollah’s response.
Israel Strikes Lebanese Bridge
Israel destroyed a bridge over the Litani River in southern Lebanon, which connects the towns of Zrariyeh and Tayr Falsay. The Israeli military said the bridge was important for Hezbollah to move weapons and prepare for attacks.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that more damage to Lebanon’s infrastructure could come unless Hezbollah disarms.
UN Appeals for Ceasefire
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Beirut and urged both Israel and Hezbollah to stop the fighting. He also launched a $325 million humanitarian appeal to help people displaced by the war.
Lebanon Seeks Talks, But No Response
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun offered to negotiate directly with Israel earlier in the week. As of Friday, he said Israel had not replied.
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes hit roads and blocked key transport routes in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, used by Hezbollah to move weapons.
Hezbollah Attacks Continue
Hezbollah launched attacks against Israeli forces as part of a Quds Day operation, which is an annual event in support of Palestinians.
Israel continued evacuation warnings for southern Lebanon and dropped leaflets over Beirut telling people to push Hezbollah to disarm.
Civilian Casualties Mount
Israeli strikes have killed dozens of civilians. In the village of Miyeh w Miyeh, eight people were killed, and in nearby Irkey, one man buried four daughters and five other relatives killed in an airstrike.
In Sawaneh, two paramedics were killed, and a later strike on a health center in Burj Qalawiya killed 12 medical staff.
