The leader of the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, last week issued new warnings to the US and its most prominent ally in the Middle East, threatening Israel with an upcoming war that might bring woe to the state of Lebanon and its people.

In a televised speech, he said that the July 2 attempted drone attack on the disputed Karish gas field off Israel’s Mediterranean coast was just the beginning. “Write this equation down; we will reach Karish and everything beyond Karish and everything beyond that… If you want to prevent Lebanon from exercising its right to save itself by extracting oil and gas, no one will be able to extract oil and gas,” Nasrallah said.

He stressed that military action would be the only Lebanese option to obtain its right to oil and gas resources. “The capacities of the resistance today are unprecedented; the fighting spirit is higher than ever. We have various capacities on land, sea and air, and all these options are open,” he said.

The militia leader’s threats increased the divisions in Lebanon and will most likely soon fuel conflict on the country’s streets, given the fact that his words do not meet with the people’s consensus. While Nasrallah sends his drones and threats, the negotiations between Lebanon and Israel to determine their maritime borders continue with American mediation.

As usual, Nasrallah did not miss a chance to point an accusing finger at the US, which he always describes as the “Great Satan,” to increase the brainwashing of his militia members and to please his benefactors in Tehran. Nasrallah criticized US President Joe Biden’s visit to the Middle East and his actions on Yemen and Ukraine.

He also accused the US of committing aggression against Yemen and using regional countries as a tool, stressing that Biden could easily end the war and lift the siege.

However, just one day after his fiery speech, the US State Department issued a statement in which it reiterated America’s commitment to facilitating the Lebanese-Israeli negotiations, emphasizing that the only way to achieve progress toward a resolution is through diplomacy. “The administration welcomes the consultative and open spirit of the parties to reach a final decision, which has the potential to yield greater stability, security and prosperity for both Lebanon and Israel, as well as for the region, and believes a resolution is possible,” the statement read.

Peace, security and hope will not prevail until the country has rid itself of Nasrallah and his terrorist party.

Dalia Al-Aqidi

Nasrallah waging war against Israel takes us back to 2006, when Hezbollah, with Iran’s support, kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, forcing Tel Aviv to respond with military action, the price of which was paid by the Lebanese people. His selfishness, idiocy and loyalty to a foreign power led to the deaths of more than 1,200 people, the destruction of Lebanese infrastructure, including buildings, bridges and roads, and the disruption of power stations.

However, the pro-Iran militia leader should be reminded that 2022 is completely different to 2006. The Israeli military is well equipped with fighter jets, guided missiles, drones, submarines and military cruisers that have the ability to wipe out a small country like Lebanon.

How long will this country — rich in history, science, culture and art — remain hostage to someone whose hands have been stained with the blood of his own people? How long will the Lebanese government keep silent about the scourge of Nasrallah?

The blood of the victims of the Beirut port explosion has not yet dried and the pain of the wounds has not yet dissipated.

Is there not a single brave Lebanese figure willing to hold Hezbollah and its leader accountable for their murders, terrorism and hostility toward foreign countries?

And, above all, for how long do the international community and human rights organizations intend to turn their eyes away from what is happening in this beautiful country?

Peace, security and hope will not prevail until Lebanon has rid itself of Nasrallah and his terrorist party. Only at that time will Lebanon’s life-loving people chant in one voice, filled with optimism and ambition, the famous song of the late, great musician Wadih El-Safi, “Lebanon, Piece of Heaven.”

• Dalia Al-Aqidi is a senior fellow at the Center for Security Policy.

Twitter: @DaliaAlAqidi