Hezbollah declares ‘war’ on Israel
Israeli government orders military and embassies to go on high alert.
Nasrallah speech |
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He said Hezbollah fighters had started preparing for the next war immediately after the end of the 2006 war with Israel.
Israel on alert
The Israeli prime minister’s office issued a warning late on Thursday urging Israeli citizens to act with extra caution while abroad, noting the threat of kidnapping.
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It advised staying out of Arab and Muslim countries, avoiding concentrations of other Israelis and turning down “unexpected invitations to meetings in remote places”.
Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi, Israel‘s military chief, put forces on heightened alert, and the military sent more troops to the already fortified border with Lebanon, defence officials said.
Israeli embassies worldwide also were put on alert, and Israeli security forces advised Jewish institutions across the globe to be vigilant, officials said.
In Washington, Sean McCormack, the US state department spokesman, called Nasrallah’s threats “quite concerning”.
“Quite clearly, Hezbollah has a long record of carrying out violent acts and acts of terrorism around the globe,” he said.
Thousands of other Lebanese called on Syria |
Security was tight as thousands of people gathered for the two separate rallies, which highlighted the deep divisions in the country.
Imad Moghaniyah |
Moghaniyah, who was accused by the US of planning attacks on Western targets during the Lebanese civil war, was killed by a car bomb in Damascus on Tuesday evening.
Amin said Nasrallah’s words had left many Lebanese wondering if there will be another war with Israel.