Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Dec 17: Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian regime has installed a new provocative banner at Tehran’s prominent Palestine Square, openly threatening Israel’s northern coastal city of Nahariya, according to images shared widely on social media.
The banner carries the warning, “For the next war, Nahariya be prepared,” and prominently features imagery associated with Hezbollah. Iranian media have reportedly titled the display, “Another defeat awaits you in Lebanon,” signalling Tehran’s continued rhetorical and psychological support for the Iran-backed militant group.
Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based terror organisation, began launching attacks on Israel on October 8, 2023 — a day after Hamas carried out its deadly assault in southern Israel. On the first anniversary of its offensive, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for 3,194 attacks, including strikes on Israeli military forces, bases, equipment and airfields, as well as attacks on civilian settlements.
According to Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency, the banner was unveiled amid intensified hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel over the past month. Israeli defence officials and residents in the country’s north have repeatedly voiced concerns over a potential October 7-style cross-border invasion by Hezbollah fighters.
Although a ceasefire agreement reportedly required Hezbollah to withdraw from southern Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have accused the group of multiple violations. The IDF has responded with targeted strikes against Hezbollah operatives allegedly crossing the Litani River.
Palestine Square in Tehran has frequently been used by the Iranian regime as a platform for psychological warfare against Israel. In October last year, Iran unveiled a controversial mural there depicting Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas during the October 7 attack. The mural, splattered with blood imagery, carried the message “no hostage will be released” written in Hebrew — despite featuring images of hostages who had already been freed.
The latest banner is being viewed by analysts as part of Iran’s continued strategy of symbolic messaging and intimidation amid ongoing regional instability.