Retired General: "Hezbollah" Could Theoretically Strike Cyprus

Retired Cypriot General Ioannis Paltzoutzis expressed that his country "should always be concerned and take appropriate measures" following Hezbollah's warning to the Cypriot government against opening its facilities for the war on Lebanon. The newspaper "Cyprus Mail" reported that General Paltzoutzis stated that Cyprus "should always be concerned and take the appropriate actions," given that "Hezbollah has strong military systems and weapons," meaning it can theoretically strike Cyprus. He clarified, "I consider this threat to be a warning... all of this started from the developments in Gaza and the decision made by the Israeli government that after finishing with Hamas, they will turn their attention to Hezbollah." He noted that Hezbollah has kept northern Israel "under fire" since the beginning of the war in Gaza last October, adding: "This situation may be a precursor to a future war, as Israel wants to eliminate all evil in its region." He also pointed to the "inevitable" presence of British bases in Cyprus, but called for "calm preparedness." Ioannis Paltzoutzis concluded: "Let us be restrained and take precautions, but since Nasrallah is a rational leader, he will not take matters to extremes... striking Cyprus is like striking Western powers... and it is something he wants to avoid... I believe the danger may be small."