Beirut: Deputy chairman of Hezbollah's political council, Mahmoud Qamati, has issued a stern warning that any Israeli attempt to occupy new areas of Lebanon will be met with an 'appropriate response.' This statement was reported by the Palestinian news agency Sama, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and the Israeli regime.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the comments from Qamati come amid continued Israeli control over parts of southern Lebanon. Lebanese political efforts are ongoing to secure a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. Qamati emphasized that Hezbollah's current stance of patience and allowing the political process to unfold should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness or incapability. He reiterated that Hezbollah remains strong and fully capable of responding to aggression.

Qamati further stated that any attempt by Israel to seize new Lebanese territory would be countered with a response 'proportionate to developments on the ground.' He also denied allegations of Iranian fighters being present within Hezbollah's ranks in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli regime initiated a large-scale incursion into Lebanon on March 2, resulting in casualties, displacing over a million people, and occupying parts of southern Lebanon. In an effort to resolve the conflict, Lebanon and Israel's regime signed a US-mediated framework agreement last month aimed at ending hostilities between the Israeli military and Hezbollah forces. However, the agreement has faced criticism due to uncertainties regarding its legal status and the lack of a clear timetable for the withdrawal of Israeli forces.