TEHRAN – A senior commander within Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force has asserted that Hezbollah will have a significant strategic edge if Israel were to initiate a ground incursion into southern Lebanon.

In a speech marking the anniversary of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, Brigadier General Ramadan Sharif highlighted the dangers presented by Zionist threats of possible incursions into Lebanese territory.

The Iranian commander emphasized that Hezbollah is ready for a ground conflict, asserting that the group is in a strong position for such an engagement.

“Hezbollah is eagerly awaiting the start of a ground war because it has the upper hand in such conflict,” Sharif said.

Additionally, he pointed out that despite Hassan Nasrallah's assassination, Hezbollah's organizational framework in Lebanon will remain robust and is poised to strengthen its capabilities in missile, drone, and ground combat.

In the past, the Israeli military has issued repeated warnings that if Hezbollah's ground forces do not retreat behind the Litani River, it would resort to direct military action against Lebanon.

The Litani River serves as a natural boundary between Lebanon and the occupied territories, with the Arab country situated to the north.  

This geographical division has rendered the Litani River a strategic point of contention in the ongoing conflicts.

Israel aims to secure control over the area extending to the Litani River to establish a buffer zone against Hezbollah's ground and missile threats targeting the northern occupied territories.

Military analysts underscore that controlling the southern Lebanon region, given its geopolitical significance and steep terrain, could represent a critical vulnerability for the opposing side in potential future ground confrontations.