Israeli army chief calls for preparedness for confrontation with Hezbollah

By Abdelraouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) – The Israeli army chief on Wednesday called for preparedness for a possible confrontation with Lebanese group Hezbollah.

"We look at Hezbollah and see their efforts to build strength. We understand that we need to prepare,” Lt. Gen Herzi Halevi said during a meeting with reservist soldiers at the Tzeelim military base southern Israel.

“We must be prepared in the coming years for a multifaceted event in which Iran will participate," he added, without further details.

Hezbollah fought several wars with Israel, the latest of which was in 2006 during which the Lebanese group struck major Israeli cities with rockets, causing significant material damage.

Over 1,000 Lebanese were killed in the conflict, while much of southern Lebanon – a Hezbollah stronghold – was devastated by Israeli attacks.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar