Hezbollah MP says deterrence with Israel maintained despite clashes

Hezbollah legislator Hassan Fadlallah said Friday that the deterrence between his group and Israel has been maintained since a monthlong war in 2006, despite clashes over the past week.

Fadlallah’s comments came minutes after Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian held separate meetings with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and key ally Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Caretaker Information Minister Ziad Makari said the Lebanese government is committed to supporting the Palestinians in Gaza but maintaining calm along the southern border with Israel to avoid a new war.

“At the same time, the government will study the possibility of being ready for — God forbid — a deterioration of the situation,” Makari said.

Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged shelling since Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel almost one week ago, but the clashes have remained limited and contained thus far.