A Hezbollah official revealed that the group has rejected calls from international envoys to refrain from responding to a potential Israeli attack following a deadly missile strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
In written statements to journalists, the official stated that Hezbollah, which denied involvement in Saturday's strike, informed the mediators that it would respond to any Israeli attack. The official did not name the countries represented by the mediators.
A diplomatic campaign led by the United States aims to limit Israel's response to the Golan Heights attack, which resulted in the deaths of 12 children and youths. Israel and the United States have held Iranian-backed Hezbollah responsible for the strike and Israel has vowed a strong retaliation.
Five sources familiar with the campaign told media that "diplomats urged Israel not to target the Lebanese capital, Beirut, the southern suburbs, which are Hezbollah's stronghold, or key infrastructure. They hope to avoid a strong retaliation from the party if Israel keeps its response limited."
The Hezbollah official added: "International envoys have indirectly raised the idea with us that we should not respond to the expected aggression under the pretext of avoiding escalation and sliding into widespread war." He indicated that Hezbollah had "clearly communicated our rejection of this request" and that they would respond.
The official further noted that the group takes Israel's threats seriously and is preparing, but does not expect a ground invasion. Hezbollah also mentioned that the mediators informed them about diplomatic efforts urging Israel to keep civilians and civilian infrastructure out of any operation.
The official concluded: "This is a good thing, but we do not trust our enemy."
