Hochstein's mission marks a last-ditch attempt by the outgoing US administration to clinch a ceasefire as diplomacy to end the Gaza war appears totally adrift
world3 days ago
Hezbollah has rejected calls from international envoys to avoid responding to an anticipated Israeli attack in retaliation for a deadly rocket strike on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, an official from the Lebanese group said on Tuesday.
Hezbollah, which has denied involvement in Saturday's strike, informed mediators it would still respond to any Israeli attack, the official said in written comments sent to reporters.
The official did not say which countries the mediators represented.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
A diplomatic dash led by the United States has aimed to constrain Israel's response to the Golan attack, which left 12 youths dead. Israel and the U.S. have blamed Iranian-backed Hezbollah for the strike, with Israel vowing a strong response.
Diplomats have urged Israel against targeting the Lebanese capital Beirut, its southern suburbs that form Hezbollah's heartland, or key infrastructure, five people with knowledge of the drive told Reuters. They hope that by keeping Israel's response limited, forceful retaliation by Hezbollah can be avoided.
"International envoys are indirectly raising with us the idea that we should not respond to the expected aggression under the pretext of the need to avoid escalation and sliding towards a comprehensive war," the Hezbollah official said.
Hezbollah had "informed them of our explicit rejection of this request" and would respond, the official said.
The group took Israel's threats seriously and was prepared, but did not expect a ground invasion, the official said.
Hezbollah also said mediators had informed them of diplomatic efforts to urge Israel to spare civilians and civilian facilities in any operation. "This is a good thing, but we do not trust our enemy," the official added.
ALSO READ:
Hochstein's mission marks a last-ditch attempt by the outgoing US administration to clinch a ceasefire as diplomacy to end the Gaza war appears totally adrift
world3 days ago
This will be his first visit since the beginning of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia around three years ago
world3 days ago
The changes state that any conventional attack on Russia, aided by a nuclear power, could be considered to be a joint attack
world4 days ago
The country launched a probe in March 2021 into WhatsApp's privacy policy, which allowed data sharing with Facebook and its units, sparking global backlash
world4 days ago
This time around, Trump wants the Senate to give up that gatekeeping role and allow him to make 'recess appointments'
world4 days ago
Police allege the offences took place between 2001 and 2019 against 8 victims; the youngest was 17 at the time of the offence
world5 days ago
The two countries have a mutual defence treaty dating back to 1951, which could be invoked if either side came under attack, including in the South China Sea
world5 days ago
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger on Narendra Modi in Abuja on Sunday
world5 days ago