Can Hezbollah stand up to Israel? Iranian President expresses doubts
Iranian President Massoud Bezshkian made statements described as “heated” on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meetings, addressing Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon.
Bezshkian said today, Tuesday, that his ally Hezbollah “cannot stand alone” in facing Israel, whose widespread strikes on Lebanon yesterday killed 500 people in the most violent bombing since 2006.
In an interview with CNN, translated from Persian into English, Bezshkian explained that “Hezbollah cannot face a state on its own that is defended, supported, and supplied by Western countries, European nations, and the United States.”
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He added that the international community “must not allow Lebanon to become another Gaza” after Israel’s widespread strikes on Lebanon.
“We must not allow Israel to turn Lebanon into another Gaza,” he emphasized.
Bezshkian warned that events could escalate into a regional conflict, which “could be dangerous for the future of the world and even the planet itself. Therefore, we must stop the ongoing criminal acts perpetrated by Israel,” according to his statement.
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Embarrassing Contradiction
Iranian media embarrassed Bezshkian after publishing an audio clip in which he stated yesterday in New York that Tehran was ready to lay down its arms on the condition that Israel does the same.
However, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denied what was reported by American media about Bezshkian during a session held with senior American press managers.
Israel launched airstrikes on Lebanon, killing dozens and wounding hundreds, met with rocket fire from Hezbollah, evoking the Gaza scenario.
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While Israel claims to aim at destroying Hezbollah‘s missile capabilities, it is also preparing for a ground offensive, according to Israeli analysts. They noted that the airstrikes on Lebanon recall the attacks on Gaza that preceded Israel’s ground incursion into the territory.
The Israeli army carried out hundreds of airstrikes on targets it claimed belonged to Hezbollah in southern Lebanese villages before announcing its intention to attack the Bekaa region.
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Many towns in southern Lebanon saw a massive exodus of residents, fearing injury or death from the Israeli attacks.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese Ministry of Health announced that 500 people had been killed following the Israeli attacks.
