Israel has threatened to kill Hizbullah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah and "destroy" Damascus in any future escalation of hostilities from south Lebanon.
The threat came from Israel's northern commander General Benny Gantz in an interview aired Saturday night by Channel 2 TV.
"Such a thing is not impossible," Gantz said in response to a question whether Israel would actually try to assassinate Nasrallah at his heavily guarded headquarters and residence in a Beirut southern suburb.
"I advise him not to sleep tight," Gantz said.
Furthermore, he accused President Bashar Al-Assad's government of multiplying Syria's arms supplies to the Party of God and said "in case of a new escalation with Hizbullah, Syria will have to pay a heavy price".
Gantz said relations between Syria and Hizbullah have strengthened ever since Basher Al-Assad ascended to power.
According to Gantz, Syria is directly supplying "terror organizations" with weapons.
"President Assad will be endangering his own self if the situation between us flares into an explosive collision," Gantz added.
"We won't focus then on Hizbullah alone. Syria will pay very dearly. The price for us could be difficult, but it could [be] destructive, pulverizing for him."
"Responsibility needs to be taken from the other side of the border as well", Gantz added.
The northern commander added, "I am not sure the issue of combat in Lebanon is yet behind us". According to the Israeli General, Hizbullah has strategic capabilities, long-range missiles and is able to target many areas in Israel. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
