Hezbollah Asserts Capability to Repel Israel

He affirmed that the group possesses the necessary resources to push back Israeli forces.

Speaking to reporters in southern Lebanon, Afif said, "We assure you, the enemy, that this is only the first round," pledging Hezbollah's readiness to "sacrifice our blood and soul for our homeland by the grace of God."

He emphasized that the recent events in Maroun al-Ras and Odaisseh were only "the tip of the iceberg," and warned that Israel’s air superiority would "turn into losses on the ground."

Hezbollah confirmed ongoing clashes with Israeli forces, who had infiltrated Maroun al-Ras from the eastern side, stating that its fighters had inflicted casualties on the Israeli troops.

Israeli media later reported the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and injuries to 18 others in the clashes near Odaisseh. These encounters marked the first face-to-face confrontations since Israel launched its ground offensive on Tuesday.

The fighting with Hezbollah presents Israel with a more complex challenge compared to its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Hezbollah, a battle-hardened force with years of experience in Syria, continues to engage Israeli troops using guerrilla tactics, aiming to draw them into ambushes.

In addition to the clashes in Odaisseh, Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli forces in the Shtula and Misgav Am settlements, using missiles and artillery.