Israel Boosts Readiness on Lebanon Border Amid Fears of Hezbollah Retaliation for Iran Strikes

Watan-The Israeli army has raised its alert level along the border with Lebanon in anticipation of any potential Hezbollah retaliation in solidarity with Iran, following recent developments in the U.S.-Israeli assault on Iranian nuclear facilities.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth on Sunday, the Israeli military is on heightened alert for possible Hezbollah attacks. Haaretz also reported that the army is preparing for the possibility of Hezbollah joining the war following U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.

Lebanese President Warns of Expanding Tensions

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned Sunday that the recent escalation in Iranian-Israeli confrontations—especially the early morning bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities—could significantly widen regional tensions, threatening security and stability in several countries.

He called for restraint and the launch of serious and constructive negotiations to restore stability and avoid further bloodshed and destruction. He cautioned that the current escalation could be prolonged.

President Aoun urged capable world leaders to act swiftly before it’s too late. He emphasized that Lebanon—its leadership, parties, and people—has already paid a high price for regional wars and has no interest in further involvement. “The cost of these wars has always exceeded our capacity to bear,” he said.

According to a statement from the Lebanese Presidency, Aoun has been following the developments since Sunday morning and remains in contact with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Defense Minister Michel Mansi, Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Heikal, and other security officials to ensure measures are in place to preserve national stability.

Lebanese Government Seeks National Unity

In a statement from his media office, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he had agreed with President Aoun to keep communication channels open and work jointly to protect Lebanon from the fallout of current events, stressing national unity and prioritizing the country’s highest interests.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Salam wrote:“In the face of dangerous military escalation and its potential consequences for the entire region, we must strictly adhere to our national interest and avoid being drawn into the ongoing regional conflict. Our awareness of our national interest is our most powerful weapon in these critical times.”

Hezbollah Reaffirms Support for Iran but Avoids Confirming Military Role

MP Hussein Jishi, member of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc Loyalty to the Resistance, told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed:“The U.S. has never ceased its war on the Islamic Republic since the revolution’s victory. Their issue with Iran is not nuclear—it’s Iran’s decision to pursue political, economic, and cultural independence and its rejection of American dominance.”

He added that the war against Iran has taken many forms over the years, depending on timing and geography, and today, it has manifested in direct U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Jishi emphasized that Iran remains committed to diplomacy and its right to peaceful uranium enrichment, in line with international treaties. However, he accused the U.S. of being arrogant, criminal, and deceptive, aiming to dominate regional nations and plunder their resources.

Regarding Hezbollah’s potential military involvement, Jishi said:“Supporting Iran does not necessarily mean military participation. Iran is fully capable of defending itself in a battle between right and wrong, between the oppressed peoples of the region and the oppressive U.S. and its tool, Israel.”

He added that Hezbollah is not neutral—it stands with the oppressed against the oppressors, with justice against injustice. However, the nature and scale of Hezbollah’s response—military, political, media, or cultural—will be decided by the resistance itself.

Nasrallah’s Deputy Confirms Hezbollah Stands with Iran

Last Thursday, Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem declared that the party is not neutral in this conflict, stating:

“We stand with Iran in facing this global injustice, and we will act in the manner we deem appropriate in confronting this brutal U.S.-Israeli aggression.”