Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has asserted that his organisation is prepared for a "long confrontation" with Israel, as Israeli authorities warned that Lebanon would face an "increasing price" through extensive damage to its national infrastructure, according to a report by The Times of Israel. In his second televised address since the hostilities began, Qassem described the situation as an "existential battle, not a limited or simple battle," adding that his forces have "prepared ourselves for a long confrontation" and that the Israeli military "will be surprised on the battlefield." The Israeli military confirmed it had destroyed a bridge over the Litani River on Friday, which connects the towns of Zrarieh and Tayr Falsay. This strike represents the first time the Israeli military has officially acknowledged hitting public infrastructure since the war commenced. As highlighted by The Times of Israel, Israeli aircraft have dropped leaflets over Beirut urging the public to "disarm Hezbollah, Iran's shield."

Source: dna March 14, 2026 05:30 UTC