Hezbollah is ready to take action "including force" against Israeli gas operations in disputed waters once the Lebanese government adopts a clearer policy, the Iranian-backed terrorist group's deputy leader told Reuters on Monday.
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Sheikh Naim Qassem's comments came a day after a rig operated by London-based Energean arrived off the coast to develop a gas field known as Karish.
Israel says the field is part of its exclusive economic zone while Lebanon has begun to claim it lies within its territory.
Lebanon's president and PM warned Israel against operations in Karish, prompting fears of a violent escalation over the issue.
Hezbollah said on Monday it would act only if Lebanon's government formally accuses Israel of violating maritime rights.
"When the Lebanese state says that the Israelis are assaulting our waters and our oil, then we are ready to do our part in terms of pressure, deterrence and use of appropriate means - including force," Qassem said.
"The issue requires a decisive decision from the Lebanese state," he added, saying that Hezbollah "urged the government to hurry up, to set a deadline for itself".
Qassem said the group would act "no matter the responses" even if it led to a broader conflict.
Lebanon said on Monday it would invite a US mediator to Beirut to resume indirect negotiations with Israel over the disputed maritime boundaries, which have been stalled since last year.
Beirut is hoping to reach an agreement that could then help it unlock valuable gas reserves to ease its worst-ever financial crisis.
Qassem hinted that a fresh plan would have to be negotiated since Lebanon's parliamentary elections last month had triggered a new government formation process.
Hezbollah and its allies lost the parliamentary majority in the vote, but have retained control over the roles of parliament speaker and deputy speaker.
Kan 11 News reported Sunday that the Israeli Navy was bracing for a potential Hezbollah attack against the new rig in Karish. Navy vessels, including submarines, were deployed to the area to protect it, the report said, adding that the naval version of the Iron Dome missile defense system was also slated for deployment in the area.
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