Samir Kuntar
Photo: AP
Kuntar: Zionist entity must disappear
Recently freed terrorist vows Hizbullah will continue its 'resistance' so long as Israel continues to exist, says he doesn't fear assassination, warns Israel against attacking Lebanon
Notorious Lebanese Druze terrorist Samir Kuntar, who was recently released in exchange for the bodies of two kidnapped IDF soldiers as part of an Israeli deal with Hizbullah, told Agence France-Presse on Wednesday that the organization would continue to seek the destruction of Israel. "As long as there is an entity called Israel in the region, we must continue the resistance," he said.
The interview was conducted in the living room of Kuntar's sea-side Beirut apartment, the walls of which are decorated with the various medals and certificates of honor he has received over the years. "I am committed to the resistance, body and soul, and am willing to partake in any mission I am asked to do," the convicted terrorist continued.
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Kuntar, 46, was convicted of murdering a father, his two daughters, and a police officer in Nahariya in 1979.
Kuntar said he was absolutely certain Israel was planning to launch an attack on Hizbullah, which hailed him as a Lebanese hero upon his return. "But they don't know what we've got planned for them here," he smirked. "This time they will send in large forces, and suffer many losses."
Kuntar says he does not regret the attack he carried out. "I remember everything that happened that night," he said. He lavished praise on Hizbullah for securing his release from prison, and expressed his admiration for its secretary-general, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah.
He vowed that Hizbullah would continue its battle "until the Zionist entity disappears."
Kuntar also denied rumors claiming he would be running for office in the Lebanese parliament, saying that his current plans included a wife and children.
The terrorist concluded by dispelling rumors that he fears being hunted down. "I don't live in fear of assassination, there are people doing good work here," he said with a nod at his bodyguards. "A warden once told me that when I was released from prison I would be a burden on society. My message to the Israelis is: You didn't succeed in breaking me."
