Israel Signals Strong Warning to Lebanon Over Possible Involvement in U. S. -Iran Tensions

Israel has hinted that it would respond with force to Lebanon if the militant group Hezbollah joins any conflict between the United States and Iran. The message, reported by Lebanese officials, suggests that Israel could target civilian sites such as the airport in Lebanon. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office and the Lebanese presidency did not comment on the claim. Meanwhile, leaders from Iran and the United States are scheduled to meet in Geneva for a third round of nuclear negotiations. The talks come amid fears that military hostilities could erupt between the two countries.Earlier this year, Israel carried out significant attacks on Hezbollah, killing its commander Hassan Nasrallah and many fighters. The assaults also destroyed a large portion of the group’s weapons stockpile. Hezbollah, which began as an Iranian-backed force in 1982, has not stayed neutral amid the U. S. -Iran standoff. The group’s new leader, Naim Qassem, told viewers on television that Hezbollah is not neutral and may face future aggression. He said the organization would decide whether to intervene in upcoming conflicts. In response to escalating tensions, the U. S. State Department has begun withdrawing non‑essential staff and their families from its Beirut embassy.