Israeli Ambassador in Washington Denies Expansion Claims by Hezbollah in Lebanon

Yehiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to Washington, accused Hezbollah of breaching the ceasefire and denied any Israeli ambitions in Lebanon. He posted on the platform X that Hezbollah was responsible for breaking the ceasefire, not Israel.

Leiter wrote: "Hezbollah broke the ceasefire, not Israel. Terrorists lie. Hezbollah is a terrorist organization. Hezbollah lies." He further stated that Iran is using Hezbollah as a proxy to extract concessions, describing this as the modus operandi of the regime in Tehran. He urged people not to be deceived and emphasized that Israel holds no regional ambitions in Lebanon.

The ambassador added, "Iran uses its proxy to extract concessions. That is the modus operandi of the murderous regime in Tehran. Don't be deceived. Israel has no regional ambitions in Lebanon."

Leiter also affirmed Israel’s desire to live alongside its neighbors behind secure and recognized borders. He said, "Israel respects the ceasefire while defending itself against terrorist attacks, as any self-respecting country would."

Earlier on Saturday, Hezbollah accused Israel of violating the ceasefire and causing the resumption of hostilities since the previous night, despite both sides having announced a ceasefire agreement effective from 4 p.m. on Friday.

In its statement on Saturday, Hezbollah warned the Israeli military of continued responses to attacks and airstrikes, as well as opposition to Israeli expansionist ambitions on Lebanese territory.