Hezbollah leader warns Cyprus against helping Israel
By richardbrown // 2024-06-23
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Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah issued a stern warning to Cyprus regarding its involvement with Israeli forces and asserted the organization's preparedness for a potential full-scale conflict with Israel. Nasrallah's remarks came during a televised address following a memorial service for Hajj Sami Taleb Abdullah, a senior Hezbollah commander killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon earlier that week. "The enemy knows it must expect us on land, in the air, and at sea," said the cleric. "If war is imposed upon us, the resistance will fight without constraints, rules, or limits. There will be no place safe from our missiles and drones." (Related: Hezbollah chief to Israel: 'You have lost the war.') Characterizing the current tensions as the most significant since Israel's declaration of independence in 1948, Nasrallah pointed to ongoing skirmishes near Galilee since October, following Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza. These clashes have led to displacement on both sides of the border. Nasrallah claimed Hezbollah possesses detailed intelligence on Israeli defenses, referencing recent drone footage of Haifa's port as evidence. He highlighted Hezbollah's ability to strike deep inside Israel using a range of weapons, including undisclosed capabilities, alongside a substantial arsenal of drones and rockets. In an unprecedented move, Nasrallah issued a direct warning to Cyprus, cautioning against facilitating Israeli operations. He alleged Israel's contingency plans to utilize Cypriot airfields should its bases be compromised by Hezbollah attacks, suggesting any collaboration with Israel could draw Cyprus into the conflict. Responding to Nasrallah's statements, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed finalizing operational plans for a potential offensive in Lebanon. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz emphasized the potential for a shift in rules of engagement with Hezbollah, warning of severe consequences for Lebanon if conflict escalates. Israel's last major conflict with Hezbollah in 2006 saw a ground offensive into southern Lebanon, resulting in significant casualties and no clear military gains.

Nicosia remains committed to peace and stability in the region

Situated approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) from Lebanon's coastline, Cyprus has recently intensified defense cooperation with Tel Aviv, including joint military drills and numerous arms procurement agreements. Despite not being a NATO member, Cyprus underlines its commitment to regional peace and stability, a stance emphasized by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in response to recent tensions. Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the University of Cyprus, Christodoulides highlighted Nicosia's role as a humanitarian facilitator, particularly recognized in the Arab world. He emphasized that his country maintains open diplomatic channels with both Beirut and Tehran, underscoring its commitment to dialogue and diplomatic solutions. Addressing Nasrallah's statements urging Lebanon to open a sea route toward Cyprus for Syrian migrants seeking refuge in Europe, Christodoulides reiterated the country's position of non-involvement in military conflicts. He stressed that while such statements are concerning, they do not reflect Nicosia's policy or actions. The cleric's call last month has sparked regional discussions about migration and maritime policies, highlighting Cyprus' strategic position as the EU's closest member state to the Middle East and its implications for regional stability. Head over to WWIII.news for similar stories. Watch this video of Hezbollah's drone reconnaissance operations over Israel's northern region and its military bases. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

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