Central council member Kaouk says party takes Israeli threats ‘seriously’ and is prepared for ‘all potential scenarios’ Number of individuals displaced from border villages surpasses 80,000 fighting ratchets up BEIRUT: Sirens sounded at the Israeli Zarit military site in Western Galilee on Monday afternoon when three missiles were launched from Lebanon, Israeli media reported. The Israel Defense Forces announced “the closure of four main road axes in Upper Galilee and the areas adjacent to the border with Lebanon” after one of the missiles struck the Pranit Barracks in Western Galilee. Hezbollah said in a series of statements it had conducted nine military operations in the last 48 hours, some involving advanced ballistics. The group targeted “a gathering of enemy soldiers in the vicinity of Al-Baghdadi site, a position of soldiers in Al-Taihat triangle, Al-Samaqa site in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms, and the Ruwaisat Al-Alam site in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms with a Burkan missile.” It also targeted “an assembly of enemy troops in Horsh Ramim, and a group of enemy soldiers in the settlement of Evin Menachem. The assault resulted in casualties among the soldiers.” Hezbollah indicated that its operations targeted “a position of enemy soldiers in the Shomera settlement and a building in which enemy soldiers are stationed in the Yaroun settlement.” Israeli warplanes raided the outskirts of the border towns of Yarin and Al-Adisa in response. Drones were also used by the IDF, one of which reportedly entered the airspace of the city of Sidon at low altitude, outside the scope of the rules of engagement. IDF personnel also fired heavy machine guns at an area adjacent to the town of Ramia. An Israeli government spokesman reiterated the country’s position that “Hezbollah must retreat from our borders, and we will achieve this diplomatically or militarily.” Local Lebanese media reports on Monday said that Hezbollah and the Amal Movement “raised their military measures in the front and rear towns and villages, in anticipation of developments in the coming days.” The reports implied Israel could be set to broaden its activities in southern Lebanon. The number of individuals displaced from Lebanese border villages has surpassed 80,000, with some opting to rent homes in distant locations such as Beirut and Mount Lebanon. Meanwhile, hundreds of families have sought refuge in the city of Tyre, with many accommodated in a local school complex. Sheikh Nabil Kaouk, a member of Hezbollah’s central council, confirmed during an event for the party on Monday that “Hezbollah is engaged in a genuine confrontation of endurance along the border with Israel. “The enemy remains undeterred by UN resolutions, unaffected by the decisions of the International Court of Justice and unswayed by all statements of condemnation and concern,” he said. “The enemy is confused as the resistance actively pursues it behind walls and settlements. This is evidence that the party continues to shape strategic equations. Despite the enemy’s threats to Lebanon and its evident apprehension about confrontation, the party takes these warnings seriously. It diligently prepares for all potential scenarios, readying itself to present the enemy with unexpected surprises,” he added. “Any war involving Lebanon would inevitably accelerate (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu’s downfall,” Kaouk continued. “The party should not be swayed by threats and intimidation, as safeguarding the security of our people and country takes precedence over all considerations. The party’s response to the Nabatieh and Sowana massacres, which targeted civilians, is an ongoing commitment and extends beyond the bombing of Kiryat Shmona. The upcoming days will further prove this.” Kaouk stressed that Hezbollah’s position remains clear: “There will be no ceasefire until the aggression against Gaza comes to a halt, even in the face of any imposed pressures on us.”