Israel-Gaza War
Hezbollah Threatens War Against Middle-East Country if It Aids Israel
Nicosia and Tel Aviv have stepped up defense cooperation in recent years.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has issued a stark warning to Cyprus, threatening military action if the Mediterranean island nation allows Israel to use its territory for operations against Lebanon. The threat, delivered in a televised address on June 19, underscores the volatile dynamics in the eastern Mediterranean as hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel intensify.
Nasrallah's warning came amid heightened conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which has seen a significant increase in cross-border attacks since the October 7 Hamas assault on Israel. The Hezbollah leader's speech was a response to Israel's recent military maneuvers and threats of a broader offensive against the Lebanese militant group.
"Opening Cypriot airports and bases to the Israeli enemy to target Lebanon would mean that the Cypriot government is part of the war, and the resistance will deal with it as part of the war," Nasrallah declared. This statement marks the first time Hezbollah has directly threatened Cyprus, a European Union member state located approximately 200 kilometers from Lebanon.
The backdrop to this threat includes a complex web of military and political alliances. Cyprus and Israel have developed close military and strategic ties over the years, conducting joint military exercises and collaborating on energy projects in the eastern Mediterranean. This partnership has been a point of contention for Hezbollah, which views any cooperation with Israel as a direct threat to its security and interests.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides responded to Nasrallah's threats by asserting that Cyprus is not involved in the conflict. "The Republic of Cyprus is not part of the problem. It is part of the solution," Christodoulides stated, emphasizing that Cyprus is committed to peace and stability in the region. He also indicated that the threat would be addressed through diplomatic channels.
The situation has been further complicated by recent developments on the ground. On June 18, Hezbollah released a nine-minute video showing drone footage of civilian and military locations in and around Haifa, one of Israel's largest cities. This provocative act was intended to demonstrate Hezbollah's growing surveillance and intelligence capabilities. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned of an "all-out war" in which "Hezbollah will be destroyed, and Lebanon severely beaten."
The Israeli military has been preparing for the possibility of an expanded conflict, with operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon already approved. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have increased their readiness, deploying additional troops and resources to the northern border. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi stated that the military is "preparing and coming up with solutions to deal with these and other capabilities."
Hezbollah's threats and actions are part of a broader strategy to support Hamas in Gaza and to challenge Israeli military dominance. Since October 7, Hezbollah has launched over 5,000 rockets, missiles, and drones at northern Israel, claiming these attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The conflict has resulted in significant displacement, with approximately 60,000 Israelis and 90,000 Lebanese fleeing their homes.
The international community, particularly the United States, has been actively seeking to de-escalate the situation. U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein has been engaged in diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities, meeting with leaders in Israel and Lebanon. However, these efforts have yet to yield a significant breakthrough.
The potential for a wider regional conflict looms large, with Hezbollah's threats against Cyprus adding a new dimension to the crisis. Analysts warn that any military action involving Cyprus could have far-reaching implications, drawing in other regional and global powers. The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to engage in a dangerous game of brinkmanship.
As the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel shows no signs of abating, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a diplomatic resolution to prevent further escalation and potential catastrophe in the region.