Hassan Nasrallah made his remarks in a fiery speech broadcast Thursday to thousands of Hezbollah supporters in Lebanon's capital, Beirut. He said if the Zionists want open war, then let there be open war.
Nasrallah spoke at the funeral for Hezbollah commander Imad Mughniyeh, who was killed in a car bombing Tuesday in Syria's capital, Damascus.
The U.S. State Department said Nasrallah's threats are quite concerning and should be alarming to everyone.
Hezbollah and its top ally, Iran, accuse Israel of orchestrating the car bombing. Israel has denied involvement.
Israel put its embassies and other interests around the world on high alert today, fearing revenge attacks. Israel also reinforced its military forces along the Lebanese border.
Elsewhere today in Beirut, Lebanon's anti-Syrian ruling majority led a mass rally marking the third anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Tens of thousands gathered at the rally for Mr. Hariri, and several speakers denounced Syria. Lebanese leaders accuse Syria of involvement in Mr. Hariri's assassination - a charge Damascus denies.
In a statement today, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to bring to justice those who have planned and carried out political assassinations and terrorist attacks in Lebanon.
Mr. Ban also called for political parties in Lebanon to work harder to achieve national reconciliation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki attended the funeral for Imad Mughniyeh, who was implicated in deadly attacks against Western and Israeli targets in the 1980s and 90s.
State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Mottaki's presence at the funeral underscores "the historical links between Iran and its terrorist group creation Hezbollah."
Source: By VOA News
