Hamas’s Qassam Brigades has threatened to execute Israeli captives if Israel continues to bombard and kill civilians in Gaza.
“Any targeting of innocent civilians without warning will be met regretfully by executing one of the captives in our custody, and we will be forced to broadcast this execution,” said Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas’ Qassam Brigades.
“We regret this decision but we hold the Zionist enemy and their leadership the responsibility for this,” he said.
Point here, it wasn’t Lebanon, it was Hezbollah. Hezbollah is tolerated within Lebanon because of a weak Lebanese central government, but they’re still a militia within Lebanon, not Lebanon itself. They more or less represent the Iranian-aligned portion of Lebanese Shiite Muslims, not Lebanese Christians or Sunni Muslims.
Agreed and I was being sloppy.
It was Hezbollah and not “officially” the Lebanese government. But I think there’s at least a solid debate (whether from weakness as you mentioned or active support) that the two are somewhat coupled. Since it allows/can’t stop hezebollah to operate with impunity.
And also waiting to see what happens to Iran on this one. There’s no way the proxy attack goes unanswered.
Lebanon is a failed/failing state with a weak centralized government that can’t exercise total control over the nation, but it’s also a super diverse country. Just saying, it’s a minority of the population which supports Hezbollah, it’s just not a minority which can be suppressed since they receive extensive military support from Iran and Syria. If they tried, it’d be the Lebanese Civil War again
Already told you I agreed and was being sloppy. You are right, and the points are dead on. Take another upvote. Heh.
There will be fighting in portions of Lebanon (geographicly) though where Hezbollah has presence. Israel won’t leave things unanswered.
Usually what Israel does is counter artillery action and maybe some airstrikes. They haven’t actually invaded in a while. I expect that’s what’s going to happen this time around too, they’re likely mostly focused on Gaza.
I hope it stays minor. I’m so upset by all this conflict and stupidity. My worry is the political/PR imperative to show this isn’t a normal/usual response.
I think the pain is coming for Gaza, especially if they follow through and start executing hostages.