Hezbollah Claims Responsibility for Assassination Attempt on Netanyahu, Vows Second Round

Beirut (Quds News Network)- Hezbollah has officially claimed responsibility for the recent assassination attempt on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The party’s media relations officer, Mohammad Afif, made the announcement on Saturday, October 19, 2024, warning that this was not the end. “If we didn’t reach you last time, the days and nights ahead are long, and so is the battlefield,” Afif stated.

Afif detailed Hezbollah’s recent military achievements, stating that Israeli forces have suffered significant losses in personnel and equipment, particularly in areas like Qouzah, Ramyah, and Taybeh. He noted that Israel’s military censorship only acknowledges a small fraction of the actual damage inflicted on the ground. Hezbollah continues to bombard Israeli forces and military bases while Israel responds with strikes targeting civilians.

Addressing Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Afif said, “Did you think we would surrender or raise white flags? Your dreams of settlements in the south or a puppet state are delusions. Our answer will be iron for iron, blood for blood, and fire for fire.”

Afif rejected Israeli claims about Hezbollah storing missiles in civilian areas as baseless justifications for Israel’s ongoing airstrikes on residential buildings. He assured that Hezbollah’s leadership and logistics systems remain fully operational, with their fighters ready and outnumbering the demands of the frontlines. According to Afif, the intensity of Hezbollah’s defensive and offensive operations is increasing daily.

He also warned that Hezbollah’s strikes on northern and deeper areas of Israel would intensify over time, hinting at the possibility of capturing Israeli soldiers. “We were close to capturing enemy soldiers in recent days. We do not leave our prisoners in jail,” Afif declared.

Afif criticized Israel’s strikes, which targeted civilian sites in Lebanon, including the destruction of a municipality building and massacres in areas such as Nabatieh. “These massacres serve no purpose other than killing and will not weaken the resolve of our people,” he said.

Hezbollah also addressed accusations regarding the Al-Qard Al-Hasan financial institution, clarifying that it operates legally and independently of Hezbollah’s finances. Afif emphasized that the United States plays a central role in the attacks on Lebanon, providing Israel with weaponry, including cluster bombs and phosphorus weapons.

On a broader note, Afif condemned the involvement of Western powers, particularly the United States and Germany, in supporting Israel’s actions. He criticized German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock for justifying the killing of civilians, labeling it as “new Nazi” rhetoric.

In a final message, Hezbollah honored the late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in an Israeli strike, with Afif describing his death as “heroic.” He also lambasted some Arab media outlets, which have shown bias against the resistance.

This latest escalation signals the possibility of further confrontations as Hezbollah remains determined to challenge Israeli military operations in Lebanon.