Head of Lebanon's Hezbollah Threatens Israel
Cyprus Ambassador Reports Increase in Resettlement
Full-Fledged War Could Put All of Israel at Risk
BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) - The head of Lebanon's Hezbollah said on Wednesday that nowhere in Israel would be safe if a full-fledged war broke out between the two countries.
Hassan Nasrallah made the comments in a televised address, as fighting between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip continued for a third day. He said that Hezbollah was ready to respond to any Israeli aggression against Lebanon.
"Israel must know that if it launches a war against Lebanon, it will not be a picnic," Nasrallah said. "We will turn all of Israel into a battlefield."
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel will not tolerate any attacks from Lebanon. He said that Israel would respond with "forceful action" to any threats from Hezbollah.
The tensions between Israel and Lebanon have been rising in recent months. In January, Israel accused Hezbollah of firing rockets into its territory. Hezbollah denied the allegations.
The fighting in Gaza has also raised concerns about a wider conflict in the region. Hezbollah is a close ally of Hamas, and it has provided the group with weapons and training.
The Lebanese ambassador to Cyprus, Claude el-Hajal, said on Wednesday that the number of Lebanese families resettling on the island has seen a significant increase in recent months. He said that the families were fleeing the violence in Lebanon.
"We are witnessing a significant increase in the number of Lebanese families coming to Cyprus," el-Hajal said. "They are fleeing the violence and instability in Lebanon."
El-Hajal said that the Cypriot government was providing the Lebanese families with assistance, including housing and food.
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