Top Hizbullah official warns of "shocking attack," says Israel won't be allowed "to enjoy stability."
By JPOST.COM STAFFImad Mughniyeh good 248(photo credit: AP)
Hizbullah has warned that revenge for the murder in February of its security chief, Imad Mughniyeh, was not far off, and would be "shocking."
"Hizbullah will soon avenge the assassination of Imad Mughniyeh," said Sheikh Ahmad Morad, a member of the Hizbullah leadership in southern Lebanon.
"The revenge will be shocking and huge surprises are in store," he added. "We will not allow Israel and its generals to enjoy stability."
Morad was speaking at a Hizbullah rally in southern Lebanon.
Mughniyeh was killed on February 12 by a car bomb in the heart of Damascus. Israel, which Hizbullah blamed for the assassination, has denied any involvement.
US Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell suggested that Syria or internal Hizbullah factions may have been behind the murder.
The Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Rai, recently quoted Hizbullah sources as saying they would retaliate for Mughniyeh's death by assassinating Israeli leaders.
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister's Office issued a renewed warning to Israelis abroad regarding Hizbullah's intent to attack and possibly abduct Israeli citizens around the world.
As part of its recommendations for Israelis, the PMO urged them to be wary of "unusual events," to turn down any tempting offers relating to business or pleasure, to avoid letting suspicious people or unknown visitors into their hotel rooms or apartments, to avoid staying in remote locations - especially after dark, to be accompanied by reliable companions during business meetings and recreational activities, and to avoid a regular pattern of activity during lengthy stays.
Nevertheless, Sheikh Na'im Kassem, Hizbullah's deputy secretary-general, gave a speech in Beirut at the start of August during a conference attended by Lebanese emigrants, in which he called on Hizbullah supporters living abroad to respect the laws of their host countries and not to fight Israel on their soil.
News agencies contributed to this report.
