Iran says it won’t send troops to fight Israel despite IDF crossing into Lebanon
Iran has said it will not deploy forces to Lebanon or Gaza amid escalated attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
It comes as Israel is preparing to expand ground operations across its northern border after the IDF conducted targeted operations in Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah and several other senior members have been killed, which has triggered fears the conflict could overwhelm the region.
An Iranian spokesman said: “There is no need to send extra or volunteer forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
They added that fighters in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories “have the capability and strength to defend themselves against the aggression”.
Iran’s foreign ministry said it had not received a request for assistance from Hezbollah and that the group does “not need the help of our forces”.
Earlier today, Naim Qassem – the deputy Hezbollah chief – said that the group was ready to fight and win against the IDF.
In a speech, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran is heading towards the “abyss”.
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In a televised speech addressed to the Iranian people directly, he said: “With every passing moment, the regime is bringing you — the noble Persian people — closer to the abyss.”
He warned that Iran’s “puppets” are being eliminated “every day”.
In reference to Israel’s reported assassination of Hamas’ military commander in July and the air strike that killed Hezbollah’s leader on Friday, he added: “Ask Mohammed Deif, ask Nasrallah.”
He concluded by inviting the Iranian people to envisage a future without their current government.
“Our two ancient peoples, the Jewish people and the Persian people, will finally be at peace. Our two countries, Israel and Iran, will be at peace.”
Israel’s defence minister has confirmed the next phase of war with Hezbollah will “begin soon” after reports of an “imminent” ground invasion.
Yoav Gallant said: “In the meeting with the heads of the councils in the confrontation line forum I emphasised – the next phase in the war against Hezbollah will begin soon and will be a significant factor in achieving the goal of the war – returning the residents of the north to their homes.”