Hezbollah leader promises stronger Lebanon

BEIRUT, Lebanon, May 29 (UPI) -- Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah told supporters Friday in Beirut his group will strengthen the Lebanese Army if it wins political power.

Nasrallah also said Lebanon and Israel could become involved in armed conflict again, although he called the possibility "far off," Ynetnews reported.

In his speech, which commemorated the ninth anniversary of the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, Nasrallah promised Hezbollah would "arm the Lebanese Army and make it strong." He also said Iran would "gladly" offer military aid.

Nasrallah accused Israel of trying to create sectarian conflict in Lebanon by blaming Hezbollah for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. A story suggesting evidence points to Hezbollah ran recently in the German magazine Der Spiegel.

Many in the audience of thousands chanted "Death to Israel" during the speech.