Hezbollah ready to repel Israeli attack

In an interview with the French paper Le Figaro, Hezbollah Deputy Leader Sheikh Naim Qassem said the movement is "prepared" to any such conflict with Israel.

"But I do not believe that under the current circumstances Israel has an interest in waging another war in Lebanon," he said.

The daily quoted the Sheikh as saying that "Israel's defeat" in its recent war against the Gaza Strip indicates that it is not capable of launching a new front in the region.

"The offensive in Gaza proved that the Israeli army has not drawn any lessons from the 2006 war (in Lebanon), and it remains incapable of translating its military force into diplomatic achievements."

Israel launched an aggression against Lebanon in summer 2006. The conflict lasted for 33 days and resulted in a heavy defeat for Tel Aviv.

"Israel's defeat -- both militarily and psychologically -- is clear. The war in 2006 proved once again the need for armed resistance," the Sheikh told Le Figaro.

Tel Aviv faced another regional defeat when it failed to "topple" Hamasduring its three week offensive against Gaza. The onslaught claimed the lives of more than 1,300 people including women and children in the coastal strip.

Regarding the assassination of Hezbollah's top commander Imad Mugniyah in Damascus, Qassem reiterated to avenge, saying "We vowed to respond. It is our right."

While Tel Aviv denies any involvement in the February 12 assassination, the Hezbollah leader said the movement has "no doubt" that Israel is behind the assassination.

"(The response) will not warrant a declaration of war on Israel's part, but in any case Israel does not need any excuse to initiate hostile acts," he concluded.