Nasrallah Praises Hamas, Appears To Leave Option Of Mobilisation Open

Secretary-general of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, has praised armed resistance to Israel and the United States. Although he stops short of announcing Hezbollah will join the conflict as a full combatant, he leaves the option open, depending on actions by Israel.

• Nasrallah says the Hamas attack has, “established a new historical phase in the battle with Israel,” adding that, “what's happening in Gaza is not like previous wars, it's a decisive battle."
• Nasrallah: “…the decision of Islamic resistance in Iraq to attack us bases in Iraq and Syria is wise… Islamic resistance in Iraq is starting to take its responsibility.”
• Nasrallah: “There are two goals: first stop aggression against Gaza, second victory for Hamas and Gaza… Arab, Islamic countries must at least work effortlessly to stop aggression on Gaza.”
• On the prospect of Hezbollah entering the conflict, Nasrallah offers a vague picture of resistance which appears consistent with ongoing small-scale border skirmishes rather than a call for a full mobilisation of Hezbollah troops.
• Nasrallah: “Hezbollah operations have been escalating day by day, forcing Israel to keep its forces near border instead of Gaza, West Bank.”
• Nasrallah: "Escalation in Lebanese front depends on events in Gaza, on Israel actions in Gaza all options in our Lebanese front are open... We are ready for all possibilities... US warships do not scare us."
• Nasrallah's comments may lead to an uptick of violence on Israel and US military bases. US Sec State Antony Blinken warned a few moments agothat the US would "take necessary steps" to deal with aggression from a third party to the conflict.