Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group, launched a large-scale missile attack on Israel on Sunday, retaliating for the assassination of their senior commander, Fuad Shukr in Beirut last month.

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, ongoing since October 7, intensified after a missile strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Although Hezbollah denied involvement in that attack, Israel responded with airstrikes that killed Fuad Shukr. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was also killed but Israel has not taken responsibility for the&nbsp;attack yet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hezbollah-trade-missiles-as-latest-flare-up-throws-west-asia-on-edge-top-points-753176">Israel, Hezbollah launch strikes as latest flare-up puts West Asia on edge: Top points</a>

Hezbollah has signalled that its recent missile and drone strikes are just the "initial response" to these events, hinting at the potential for further escalation.

<h2>Understanding Hezbollah: Origins and influence</h2>

Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist militant group based in Lebanon, was founded in 1982 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards during Lebanon’s civil war.&nbsp;

Over the years, Hezbollah has grown from a shadowy militant faction into a powerful political and military force, exerting significant influence within Lebanon and across the Middle East.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/great-escape-for-israel-hezbollah-planned-to-attack-idf-mossad-headquarters-in-central-areas-753134">Great escape for Israel? Hezbollah planned to attack IDF, Mossad headquarters in central region</a>

However, its ties to Iran and its involvement in regional conflicts have led to its designation as a terrorist organization by Western governments, including the United States, and by Sunni Muslim Gulf Arab states such as Saudi Arabia.

<h2>Who is Hassan Nasrallah?</h2>

Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah has been the leader of Hezbollah since 1992.&nbsp;Under his leadership, Hezbollah has transformed from a relatively small militant group into a powerful political and military force in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. Nasrallah is widely regarded as a central figure in the group's rise to prominence and its ongoing influence in regional affairs.

Born in 1960 in Beirut, Nasrallah became involved in political and militant activities at a young age. He joined Hezbollah shortly after its formation and quickly rose through the ranks due to his charisma, strategic thinking, and close ties with Iran, particularly with its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Nasrallah's leadership has been marked by his ability to maintain and strengthen Hezbollah's alliance with Iran, ensuring a steady flow of financial and military support.

Nasrallah remains a highly influential figure within Hezbollah, frequently addressing the group’s supporters through televised speeches. His leadership has been central to Hezbollah’s rise as a significant force in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group, launched a large-scale missile attack on Israel on Sunday, retaliating for the assassination of their senior commander, Fuad Shukr in Beirut last month.

Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group, launched a large-scale missile attack on Israel on Sunday, retaliating for the assassination of their senior commander, Fuad Shukr in Beirut last month. The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, ongoing since October 7, intensified after a missile strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Although Hezbollah denied involvement in that attack, Israel responded with airstrikes that killed Fuad Shukr. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was also killed but Israel has not taken responsibility for the attack yet. Also read | Israel, Hezbollah launch strikes as latest flare-up puts West Asia on edge: Top points Hezbollah has signalled that its recent missile and drone strikes are just the "initial response" to these events, hinting at the potential for further escalation. Understanding Hezbollah: Origins and influence Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist militant group based in Lebanon, was founded in 1982 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards during Lebanon’s civil war. Over the years, Hezbollah has grown from a shadowy militant faction into a powerful political and military force, exerting significant influence within Lebanon and across the Middle East. Also read | Great escape for Israel? Hezbollah planned to attack IDF, Mossad headquarters in central region However, its ties to Iran and its involvement in regional conflicts have led to its designation as a terrorist organization by Western governments, including the United States, and by Sunni Muslim Gulf Arab states such as Saudi Arabia. Who is Hassan Nasrallah? Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah has been the leader of Hezbollah since 1992. Under his leadership, Hezbollah has transformed from a relatively small militant group into a powerful political and military force in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. Nasrallah is widely regarded as a central figure in the group's rise to prominence and its ongoing influence in regional affairs. Born in 1960 in Beirut, Nasrallah became involved in political and militant activities at a young age. He joined Hezbollah shortly after its formation and quickly rose through the ranks due to his charisma, strategic thinking, and close ties with Iran, particularly with its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Nasrallah's leadership has been marked by his ability to maintain and strengthen Hezbollah's alliance with Iran, ensuring a steady flow of financial and military support. Nasrallah remains a highly influential figure within Hezbollah, frequently addressing the group’s supporters through televised speeches. His leadership has been central to Hezbollah’s rise as a significant force in Middle Eastern geopolitics. (With inputs from agencies)

What is Hezbollah and how is it connected to Hassan Nasrallah? Understanding its origins and influence

Head of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah said on Wednesday that his group would cease its cross-border attacks on Israel if a ceasefire was reached between Israel and&nbsp;Hamas, and that his group would recognise Hamas, the Palestinian ally's decision on Gaza truce negotiations.

Israel's retaliatory attack after Palestinian militant group's October 7 attack sparked hostilities in the Gaza Strip, and Hezbollah has exchanged nearly daily fire with Israeli forces in support of Hamas, raising fears of a full-fledged conflict.

Nasrallah stated, "Hamas is negotiating... on behalf of the whole axis of resistance," referring to regional pro-Iran forces opposing Israel and the US.

"Whatever Hamas accepts, everyone accepts and is satisfied with," he said.&nbsp;

"We do not ask (Hamas) to coordinate with us because the battle in the first instance is theirs," he added.

Nasrallah's statement comes days after meeting with a Hamas delegation led by Foreign Relations Chief Khalil al-Hayya, and just before talks to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage release deal were about to start in Qatar on the Gaza war, which is currently in its tenth month.&nbsp;

Hamas has signalled that it may remove its demand for a "complete" ceasefire, which Israel has consistently rejected, as a prerequisite for starting truce talks.

"If a ceasefire is reached, and we all hope for that... our front will cease-fire without any discussion," Hezbollah supremo said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-military-orders-gaza-city-residents-to-leave-739673">Israel military orders Gaza City residents to leave, intensifies operations</a>

"That is a commitment because it is a support front and we have been clear (about this) from the start," he added.

"We will never allow any attack that the Israeli enemy might carry out against Lebanon (even) if there is a ceasefire in Gaza," Nasrallah added.

"We will continue fighting and doing everything necessary to bring about the desired result" in our fight against Hezbollah, "even if there is a ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday.

According to an AFP count, since October, cross-border conflict in Lebanon has claimed the lives of around 500 individuals, the majority of them were combatants but also included 95 civilians.

According to the officials, at least 29 persons have died on the Israeli side, most of them were soldiers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Head of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah said on Wednesday that his group would cease its cross-border attacks on Israel if a ceasefire was reached between Israel and Hamas, and that his group would recognise Hamas, the Palestinian ally's decision on Gaza truce negotiations.

Head of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah said on Wednesday that his group would cease its cross-border attacks on Israel if a ceasefire was reached between Israel and Hamas, and that his group would recognise Hamas, the Palestinian ally's decision on Gaza truce negotiations. Israel's retaliatory attack after Palestinian militant group's October 7 attack sparked hostilities in the Gaza Strip, and Hezbollah has exchanged nearly daily fire with Israeli forces in support of Hamas, raising fears of a full-fledged conflict. Nasrallah stated, "Hamas is negotiating... on behalf of the whole axis of resistance," referring to regional pro-Iran forces opposing Israel and the US. "Whatever Hamas accepts, everyone accepts and is satisfied with," he said. "We do not ask (Hamas) to coordinate with us because the battle in the first instance is theirs," he added. Nasrallah's statement comes days after meeting with a Hamas delegation led by Foreign Relations Chief Khalil al-Hayya, and just before talks to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage release deal were about to start in Qatar on the Gaza war, which is currently in its tenth month. Hamas has signalled that it may remove its demand for a "complete" ceasefire, which Israel has consistently rejected, as a prerequisite for starting truce talks. "If a ceasefire is reached, and we all hope for that... our front will cease-fire without any discussion," Hezbollah supremo said. Also read: Israel military orders Gaza City residents to leave, intensifies operations "That is a commitment because it is a support front and we have been clear (about this) from the start," he added. "We will never allow any attack that the Israeli enemy might carry out against Lebanon (even) if there is a ceasefire in Gaza," Nasrallah added. "We will continue fighting and doing everything necessary to bring about the desired result" in our fight against Hezbollah, "even if there is a ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday. According to an AFP count, since October, cross-border conflict in Lebanon has claimed the lives of around 500 individuals, the majority of them were combatants but also included 95 civilians. According to the officials, at least 29 persons have died on the Israeli side, most of them were soldiers. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah poised to halt cross-border attacks if Gaza truce achieved, says chief Nasrallah

The Israeli military and Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have been trading fire for more than eight months in parallel with the Gaza war that started in early October last year.

The Israeli military and Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have been trading fire for more than eight months in parallel with the Gaza war that started in early October last year. Since the Israel-Hamas war began, there have been almost daily exchanges of fire between the Israeli military and Hezbollah, sparking fears of a full-blown war between the two. The United Nations warned on Friday (June 21) it was concerned about the escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon. "One rash move - one miscalculation - could trigger a catastrophe that goes far beyond the border, and frankly, beyond imagination," he told reporters. "Let's be clear: The people of the region and the people of the world cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. What will be the consequences if Israel and Hezbollah go to war: 1) A recent report by Politico said that a full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah would be devastating, and the tremors would roil the entire Middle East and beyond. The report said that the war would risk damaging the fragile US-led normalisation process that’s been painstakingly shaped to improve relations between Israel and its Arab neighbours. 2) The report added that such a war would likely see Iran involved in the conflict in a bigger and much more open way than it was during the wars between Israel and Hezbollah in 1996 and 2006. 3) As the daily fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, thousands of fighters from Iran-backed groups in the Middle East have agreed to come to Lebanon and join Hezbollah in its battle with Israel if there is an all-out war between the two factions, the news agency Associated Press reported. Some Lebanese and Iraqi groups backed by Iran have already staged attacks on Israel and its allies since the Gaza war began. 4) Earlier this week, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah threatened that nowhere in Israel would be safe if a full-fledged war broke out. He stressed that the war theatre would then expand well beyond the Levant to include Cyprus if Israel was allowed use of the island’s airport and facilities for logistics. 5) The Politico report also pointed out that neither Israel nor Hezbollah would fight with kid gloves. Both sides can inflict terrible damage on the other. Hezbollah has been firing rockets at Israel in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas since the Gaza war erupted, forcing tens of thousands to flee homes in Israel. Tens of thousands of Lebanese have also fled their homes following Israeli strikes in south Lebanon. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah inch close to war: A look at five consequences

Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party of Lebanon and now its leader Hassan Nasrallah said that he wants Lebanon's next President to reassure the group and stand up to the United States. This comes after the former President Michel Aoun's term expired without a successor being chosen.

Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah seeks reassurance, says 'Next President should stand up to US'

The United States Treasury on Thursday imposed sanctions on two&nbsp;Lebanon-based firms&nbsp;for allegedly funnelling millions to Hezbollah.

The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, sanctioned the companies Arch Consulting and Meamar Construction ''for being owned, controlled, or directed by Hezbollah.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-against-lebanon-allies-unjust-says-hezbollah-326375">US sanctions against Lebanon allies 'unjust', says Hezbollah</a>

OFAC also sanctioned Sultan Khalifah Asaad, saying that he is a Hezbollah official closely associated with both companies.

''Hezbollah leverages Arch and Meamar to conceal money transfers to Hezbollah's own accounts, further enriching Hezbollah's leadership and supporters, and depriving the Lebanese people of much-needed funds,''&nbsp;the Treasury said.

The US&nbsp;move comes at a sensitive time, as a new government is being formed under a tight deadline in a bid to extricate Lebanon from a deep economic crisis that poses the biggest threat to the country's stability since the 1975-1990 civil war.

The country is also facing a political deadlock amid delays in the formation of a new, crisis Cabinet, because of a portfolio dispute.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-return-to-the-united-nations-to-reimpose-sanctions-on-iran-pompeo-328022">We will return to the United Nations to reimpose sanctions on Iran: Pompeo</a>

&nbsp;The United States considers the Iran-backed Hezbollah a terrorist organisation and has imposed sanctions on many of the militant group's officials in the past.

Last week, Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah had condemned&nbsp;US sanctions against two former ministers from allied political parties over alleged corruption and aid to the group.

"We view this unjust decision as a badge of honour for our two dear friends," the Iran-backed movement had said in a statement after Washington&nbsp;blacklisted and imposed sanctions on former finance minister Ali Hassan Khalil and ex-transport minister Youssef Fenianos.

The United States Treasury on Thursday imposed sanctions on two Lebanon-based firms for allegedly funnelling millions to Hezbollah. The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, sanctioned the companies Arch Consulting and Meamar Construction ''for being owned, controlled, or directed by Hezbollah.

The United States Treasury on Thursday imposed sanctions on two Lebanon-based firms for allegedly funnelling millions to Hezbollah. The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, sanctioned the companies Arch Consulting and Meamar Construction ''for being owned, controlled, or directed by Hezbollah.'' Also read: US sanctions against Lebanon allies 'unjust', says Hezbollah OFAC also sanctioned Sultan Khalifah Asaad, saying that he is a Hezbollah official closely associated with both companies. ''Hezbollah leverages Arch and Meamar to conceal money transfers to Hezbollah's own accounts, further enriching Hezbollah's leadership and supporters, and depriving the Lebanese people of much-needed funds,'' the Treasury said. The US move comes at a sensitive time, as a new government is being formed under a tight deadline in a bid to extricate Lebanon from a deep economic crisis that poses the biggest threat to the country's stability since the 1975-1990 civil war. The country is also facing a political deadlock amid delays in the formation of a new, crisis Cabinet, because of a portfolio dispute. Also read: We will return to the United Nations to reimpose sanctions on Iran: Pompeo The United States considers the Iran-backed Hezbollah a terrorist organisation and has imposed sanctions on many of the militant group's officials in the past. Last week, Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah had condemned US sanctions against two former ministers from allied political parties over alleged corruption and aid to the group. "We view this unjust decision as a badge of honour for our two dear friends," the Iran-backed movement had said in a statement after Washington blacklisted and imposed sanctions on former finance minister Ali Hassan Khalil and ex-transport minister Youssef Fenianos.

US sanctions Lebanese companies for allegedly funnelling millions to Hezbollah

Hezbollah said Monday it had shot down an "Israeli drone" as it crossed the border into Lebanon, a week after a flash confrontation between the arch-foes. Fighters from the Lebanese Shiite movement "confronted with the appropriate weapons an Israeli drone" heading towards the border village of Ramyeh, a statement said.

Hezbollah said Monday it had shot down an "Israeli drone" as it crossed the border into Lebanon, a week after a flash confrontation between the arch-foes. Fighters from the Lebanese Shiite movement "confronted with the appropriate weapons an Israeli drone" heading towards the border village of Ramyeh, a statement said. The drone is now in the hands of Hezbollah, it added. Israel did not immediately comment. The incident follows an escalation in tensions between the two, which included an exchange of fire on Sunday, September 1. The Iran-backed Shiite movement said it had fired anti-tank missiles into Israel, destroying a military vehicle and killing or wounding those inside. Israel's army said it had responded with around 100 artillery shells after Hezbollah targeted a battalion headquarters and military ambulance, hitting both. Israeli officials denied claims of casualties. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah later said his organisation would respond to any further Israeli attacks with strikes "deep inside Israel" and not just along the border. Iran-backed Hezbollah, considered a terrorist organisation by Israel and the United States, is a major political actor in Lebanon and a key government backer in war-torn Syria. The flare-up was sparked by an Israeli strike in Syria which killed two Hezbollah fighters on August 24 and was followed by what the movement described as an Israeli drone strike on its Beirut stronghold. Israel has not acknowledged that attack, but accused Hezbollah and Tehran of colluding to produce precision-guided missiles on Lebanese soil. Israel has staged hundreds of strikes against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets in Syria since the civil war began there in 2011, vowing to prevent its arch-foe Iran from entrenching itself militarily in the neighbouring country. But a drone attack by Israel inside Lebanon would mark a departure -- what Nasrallah labelled the first such "hostile action" since a 2006 war between them. The 33-day war killed 1,200 Lebanese -- mostly civilians -- and 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers. The flaring tensions come just a week ahead of Israel's September 17 election, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen as wanting to avoid a major conflict ahead of the vote.

Hezbollah says shot down 'Israeli drone' at Lebanese border

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday warned Lebanon, Hezbollah's chief and the head of Iran's elite Quds Force to "be careful" with their words and actions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday warned Lebanon, Hezbollah's chief and the head of Iran's elite Quds Force to "be careful" with their words and actions. Addressing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Netanyahu told a conference that "he knows very well that the state of Israel knows how to defend itself well, and to repay its enemies". "I want to say to him and the Lebanese state, which is hosting this organisation that aims to destroy us, and I say the same to Qassem Soleimani: Be careful about your words, and even more cautious about your actions." He suggested that Nasrallah "calm down". Netanyahu spoke after a series of incidents in recent days that have raised tensions between Israel, Lebanon, Iran and Tehran-backed Hezbollah. Nasrallah has accused Israel of being behind a drone attack on the Lebanese Shiite movement's Beirut stronghold on Sunday and threatened retaliation. He called it the first such "hostile action" since a 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon's President Michel Aoun called it a "declaration of war". Hours before the Beirut incident, Israel announced it had carried out a strike in neighbouring Syria to thwart what it said was a plan by an Iranian force to attack its territory with drones. On Monday, a pro-Syrian Palestinian group accused Israel of carrying out a drone attack on one of its positions in Lebanon. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria targeting what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets. Iran and Hezbollah, along with Russia, have backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his country's civil war. Netanyahu has pledged to stop Israel's arch-enemy Iran from entrenching itself militarily in Syria.

'Israel knows how to defend itself well, and to repay its enemies': Netanyahu warns Hezbollah, Lebanon

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Lebanon`s powerful Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday accused Saudi Arabia of detaining prime minister Saad Hariri and of asking the Shiite movement`s arch-foe Israel to launch strikes.&nbsp;Hariri`s sudden resignation on November 4 in a statement made from Riyadh took the Lebanese political class by surprise and has sparked international concern.

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In the biggest GST rearrangement till date, tax rates on over 200 items were cut down&nbsp;to provide relief to consumers and businesses&nbsp;on Friday.&nbsp;Giving a major reprieve to the common man, the GST Council came up with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/23931">a number of new measures.&nbsp;</a>Maximum pruning was done in the 28% slab which will now be applied to only 50 items from 228 earlier. Many of the items and services which were previously under the 28% bracket will now attract a tax of 18% only.&nbsp; 
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Saudi Arabia holding Lebanon PM, inciting Israel to strike country: Hezbollah Lebanon`s powerful Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday accused Saudi Arabia of detaining prime minister Saad Hariri and of asking the Shiite movement`s arch-foe Israel to launch strikes. Hariri`s sudden resignation on November 4 in a statement made from Riyadh took the Lebanese political class by surprise and has sparked international concern. He grabbed my ass: US goalkeeper accuses Sepp Blatter of sexual assault Hope Solo, the 36-year-old US goalkeeper has accused former FIFA president Sepp Blatter of sexual harassment. In an interview with Portugal newspaper Expresso, Solo said that Sepp had grabbed her ass. Football World Cup play-offs: Sweden beat lacklustre Italy A second-half goal by Sweden substitute Jakob Johansson was enough to beat Italy 1-0 and put his side in the driving seat after their World Cup playoff first leg on a chilly night. 'These stories are true,' says comedian Louis CK US comedian Louis C.K. on Friday admitted to sexual misconduct allegations made against him by several women, and television and film companies moved quickly to sever ties. "These stories are true," C.K. said in a statement. Revised GST rates: Complete list In the biggest GST rearrangement till date, tax rates on over 200 items were cut down to provide relief to consumers and businesses on Friday. Giving a major reprieve to the common man, the GST Council came up with a number of new measures. Maximum pruning was done in the 28% slab which will now be applied to only 50 items from 228 earlier. Many of the items and services which were previously under the 28% bracket will now attract a tax of 18% only.

WION Morning news brief, November 11, 2017: 5 stories

Lebanon`s powerful Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday accused Saudi Arabia of detaining prime minister Saad Hariri and of asking the Shiite movement`s arch-foe Israel to launch strikes.

Hariri`s sudden resignation on November 4 in a statement made from Riyadh took the Lebanese political class by surprise and has sparked international concern.

The United States warned against using the tiny country as a &quot;venue for proxy conflicts&quot; and the United Nations said it was &quot;essential no new conflict erupt in the region&quot;.

France called for Hariri to have &quot;all his freedom of movement&quot; amid rumours he was being held against his will.

&quot;The head of the Lebanese government is detained in Saudi Arabia, he is banned from returning to Lebanon until now,&quot; Nasrallah said in a televised address.

Hariri`s situation was not completely clear but calls, including from his Lebanese political rivals, mounted for Saudi Arabia to guarantee the premier`s freedom of movement.

The 47-year-old announced his resignation on November 4 in a surprise move that coincided with a sweeping purge of the Saudi kingdom`s elite, ostensibly over embezzlement accusations.

Hariri, who also holds Saudi nationality, did not say when he would return to Lebanon, where President Michel Aoun has yet to formally accept his resignation.

In a statement issued on Friday after a meeting with a senior Saudi diplomat, Aoun insisted Hariri should return to Lebanon.&quot;President Aoun met Saudi charge d`affaires Walid Bukhari and informed him that the circumstances in which Mr. Hariri`s resignation took place were unacceptable,&quot; the statement said.

The president &quot;called for the return to Lebanon of the head of the government&quot;.

Aoun, whose political ally Hezbollah is a fierce critic of Riyadh, &quot;voiced his concern over what is being said&quot; about Hariri`s current status in Saudi Arabia and demanded a &quot;clarification&quot;.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday described Hariri as &quot;a strong partner&quot; and warned against &quot;any party, within or outside Lebanon, using Lebanon as a venue for proxy conflicts or in any manner contributing to instability in that country&quot;.

&quot;The United States strongly supports the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Lebanon and of its political institutions&quot; and opposes &quot;any actions that could threaten that stability,&quot; he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country has close ties with both Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, made a surprise visit to Riyadh late Thursday after a trip to the United Arab Emirates.

On Friday, a spokesman for France`s foreign ministry said: &quot;We wish Mr. Saad Hariri to have all his freedom of movement and to be fully able to play the essential role that is his in Lebanon.&quot;&nbsp;

Earlier French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on French radio he thought Hariri was &quot;free to move around&quot;, despite most of the Lebanese political class implying he was de facto under house arrest.

&quot;He went to Abu Dhabi the day before President Macron`s visit (on Wednesday) so we think he`s free to move around,&quot; Le Drian said.

Nasrallah, whose party is the only organisation that did not disarm after the 1975-1990 civil war and now has an arsenal that outstrips Lebanon`s own armed forces, accused Saudi Arabia of seeking to incite conflict.

&quot;The most dangerous thing is inciting Israel to strike Lebanon,&quot; he said. &quot;I`m talking about information that Saudi Arabia has asked Israel to strike Lebanon.&quot;

Nasrallah, whose movement Hariri has repeatedly said should lay down its arms, also warned that his movement, which fought a devastating war with Israel in 2006, was stronger than ever.

&quot;We are stronger today, we warn them again misguided calculations, against any knee-jerk initiative,&quot; he said, adding however that his party saw any Israeli attack as being unlikely at this stage.

The UN chief, Antonio Guterres, also said: &quot;It is essential that no new conflict erupts in the region.&quot;

&quot;We are indeed very worried and we hope that we won`t see an escalation in the region that would have tragic consequences,&quot; he said.

Lebanon`s interior ministry said in a statement Friday that a Saudi national had been kidnapped in Lebanon in circumstances that remained unclear.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia had urged all its citizens in Lebanon this week to leave the country but Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk told AFP that the kidnapping was &quot;in no way related&quot; to the Hariri crisis or politics.

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri had announced his resignation on November 4 from Riyadh

Lebanon`s powerful Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday accused Saudi Arabia of detaining prime minister Saad Hariri and of asking the Shiite movement`s arch-foe Israel to launch strikes. Hariri`s sudden resignation on November 4 in a statement made from Riyadh took the Lebanese political class by surprise and has sparked international concern. The United States warned against using the tiny country as a "venue for proxy conflicts" and the United Nations said it was "essential no new conflict erupt in the region". France called for Hariri to have "all his freedom of movement" amid rumours he was being held against his will. "The head of the Lebanese government is detained in Saudi Arabia, he is banned from returning to Lebanon until now," Nasrallah said in a televised address. Hariri`s situation was not completely clear but calls, including from his Lebanese political rivals, mounted for Saudi Arabia to guarantee the premier`s freedom of movement. The 47-year-old announced his resignation on November 4 in a surprise move that coincided with a sweeping purge of the Saudi kingdom`s elite, ostensibly over embezzlement accusations. Hariri, who also holds Saudi nationality, did not say when he would return to Lebanon, where President Michel Aoun has yet to formally accept his resignation. In a statement issued on Friday after a meeting with a senior Saudi diplomat, Aoun insisted Hariri should return to Lebanon."President Aoun met Saudi charge d`affaires Walid Bukhari and informed him that the circumstances in which Mr. Hariri`s resignation took place were unacceptable," the statement said. The president "called for the return to Lebanon of the head of the government". Aoun, whose political ally Hezbollah is a fierce critic of Riyadh, "voiced his concern over what is being said" about Hariri`s current status in Saudi Arabia and demanded a "clarification". US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday described Hariri as "a strong partner" and warned against "any party, within or outside Lebanon, using Lebanon as a venue for proxy conflicts or in any manner contributing to instability in that country". "The United States strongly supports the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Lebanon and of its political institutions" and opposes "any actions that could threaten that stability," he said. French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country has close ties with both Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, made a surprise visit to Riyadh late Thursday after a trip to the United Arab Emirates. On Friday, a spokesman for France`s foreign ministry said: "We wish Mr. Saad Hariri to have all his freedom of movement and to be fully able to play the essential role that is his in Lebanon." Earlier French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on French radio he thought Hariri was "free to move around", despite most of the Lebanese political class implying he was de facto under house arrest. "He went to Abu Dhabi the day before President Macron`s visit (on Wednesday) so we think he`s free to move around," Le Drian said. Nasrallah, whose party is the only organisation that did not disarm after the 1975-1990 civil war and now has an arsenal that outstrips Lebanon`s own armed forces, accused Saudi Arabia of seeking to incite conflict. "The most dangerous thing is inciting Israel to strike Lebanon," he said. "I`m talking about information that Saudi Arabia has asked Israel to strike Lebanon." Nasrallah, whose movement Hariri has repeatedly said should lay down its arms, also warned that his movement, which fought a devastating war with Israel in 2006, was stronger than ever. "We are stronger today, we warn them again misguided calculations, against any knee-jerk initiative," he said, adding however that his party saw any Israeli attack as being unlikely at this stage. The UN chief, Antonio Guterres, also said: "It is essential that no new conflict erupts in the region." "We are indeed very worried and we hope that we won`t see an escalation in the region that would have tragic consequences," he said. Lebanon`s interior ministry said in a statement Friday that a Saudi national had been kidnapped in Lebanon in circumstances that remained unclear. Saudi Arabia had urged all its citizens in Lebanon this week to leave the country but Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk told AFP that the kidnapping was "in no way related" to the Hariri crisis or politics.

Saudi Arabia holding Lebanon PM, inciting Israel to strike country: Hezbollah