Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah has announced that it is prepared for a long-term conflict with Israel. In a televised address, the group’s leader Naim Qassem stated that Israel would face “unexpected surprises” on the battlefield. He added that the ongoing clashes could continue for an extended period and that Hezbollah is advancing with preparations accordingly.

The Iran-backed organization, based in Lebanon, has been engaged in regular exchanges of fire with Israel since March 2. The tensions escalated after Hezbollah launched airstrikes on Israel following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Israel has carried out extensive attacks in Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah’s infrastructure and military sites.

Analysts cited in the report warned that the current hostilities could potentially expand into a wider regional war in the Middle East if the situation continues to deteriorate.