Hezbollah's Media Relations Officer, Mohammad Afif, announced on Tuesday that the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon is responsible for the recent attack targeting the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Caesarea. Speaking from Beirut’s Southern Suburb, Afif issued a direct warning to Netanyahu, stating, "The eyes of the Resistance's fighters are watching and their ears are listening. If we did not reach you this time, we have the days, nights, and the battlefield between us."
Afif assured that Hezbollah's military and logistical operations are in "excellent condition," highlighting that the group's support systems have returned to their full capacity. He further emphasized Hezbollah’s growing momentum, with an average of 25 operations being carried out daily. Afif also warned that attacks on northern and central Israeli-occupied territories would continue with increased intensity, both in scale and sophistication.
Retaliation and Warnings to Israel
During the press conference, Afif reaffirmed Hezbollah’s policy of proportional retaliation, declaring, "Iron for iron, blood for blood, and fire for fire," in response to Israeli actions. He underscored that Hezbollah remains prepared to escalate its attacks against Israel, and vowed that the group will take enemy soldiers captive to negotiate their release in future confrontations.
Afif also condemned Israel's recent attacks on the al-Qard al-Hassan institutions, rejecting claims of weapons depots in Beirut’s Southern Suburb. He stressed that Israel's assault was intended to weaken trust between Hezbollah and the Lebanese people. Despite the attack, he assured that the financial institution would continue to fulfill its obligations to depositors and emphasized that Hezbollah’s funding is independent of al-Qard al-Hassan.
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Condemnation of Israeli and U.S. Aggression
Afif held Israel responsible for the safety of Hezbollah fighters captured by Israeli forces, urging the Red Cross to monitor their treatment. "What the Israeli enemy extracts from prisoners under pressure holds no value," he said, warning that Hezbollah will take enemy soldiers captive in future battles.
He also condemned U.S. support for Israel, accusing Washington of complicity in the aggression against Lebanon. Afif dismissed the arrival of U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein in Beirut, asserting that the U.S. remains the "mother of terrorism" in Hezbollah's eyes.
No Ceasefire Without Concessions
Afif emphasized that Hezbollah will not engage in ceasefire negotiations under current conditions, reiterating trust in Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri. "There will be no negotiations [regarding a ceasefire] under fire," he declared, as he condemned recent Israeli massacres in Mhaibib, Nabatieh, and Baalbek in response to Hezbollah’s strikes on Israeli camps and bases in Haifa.
Criticism of Arab Media and Lebanon’s Internal Dynamics
In addition to condemning Israeli actions, Afif criticized Arab media outlets such as MBC for what he called bias in favor of Netanyahu. He argued that media freedom does not justify incitement to violence and murder.
Addressing Lebanese factions sympathetic to Israel, Afif said, "For a moment, you thought it was over, and that a regime led by Awkar [a reference to the U.S. embassy in Lebanon] had taken hold, but you misunderstood Lebanon’s reality." He added, "It bothers you that Hezbollah has regained its capabilities, as even the enemy admits, yet you refuse to believe it."
Afif’s remarks reflect Hezbollah’s commitment to intensifying its operations against Israel, as well as its determination to confront both regional and international opposition.