Lebanon warns of regional war in response to major Israeli attack

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib has warned that any major Israeli attack will lead to a regional war, following the death of 12 people due to a rocket strike in the Israeli occupied Golan Heights, which Israel has accused Hezbollah of launching.

“Lebanon has asked the US to urge restraint by Israel,” while “the US had asked Lebanon’s government to pass on a message to Hezbollah to show restraint as well,” according to Reuters.

Israel has accused Hezbollah of launching the rocket and threatened retaliation. Israeli Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, visited Majdal Shams on Saturday night, claiming the rocket that hit Majdal Shams was a 53 kilogramme Falaq 1 warhead.

According to the Ynet news website, this type of rocket is only used by Hezbollah and is of Iranian origin.

Prime Minister Netanyahu stated: “Hezbollah will pay a heavy price which it has not paid so far.”

Hezbollah, however, denied being behind the attack, saying the rocket was an Israel defence missile which had misfired.

Read: Lebanon demands int’l probe as Hezbollah denies involvement in deadly Golan Heights strike