Arabic version: حزب الله يعلن المقاومة بعد الضربات الإسرائيلية التي أسفرت عن مقتل ثمانية عناصر

Hezbollah officials have declared that ‘resistance’ is the only option following deadly Israeli strikes in Lebanon that resulted in the deaths of eight operatives. The Israeli military confirmed on Friday that it targeted Hezbollah command centers in eastern Lebanon and Hamas-linked sites in the south.

According to France 24, the Israeli attacks were condemned as a ‘new massacre and a new aggression’ by Hezbollah official Mahmud Qamati. He questioned what other options the group had to defend itself and its country, emphasizing that they were left with no choice but to resist.

The strikes, which also resulted in civilian casualties, were part of Israel’s ongoing military operations against Hezbollah and Hamas, despite a ceasefire established in November 2024. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticized the attacks, labeling them a blatant act of aggression that undermined diplomatic efforts for stability in the region.

In response to the strikes, a mass funeral was held in Baalbek for the fallen operatives, drawing hundreds of supporters who expressed solidarity with Hezbollah. The recent escalation in violence occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, as U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened military action regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Hezbollah’s leadership has reiterated its commitment to resistance, stating that any attack on its Iranian backers would also be viewed as an attack on the group itself. The situation remains precarious as Lebanon’s government continues its efforts to disarm Hezbollah, while the militant group insists on its right to defend against Israeli aggression.