Israeli President Shimon Peres on Thursday ruled out war with the Lebanese-based resistance militia, stating “Hizbullah has changed from a religious movement into a military wing. It has changed from a Lebanese organization into an Iranian agent,” he said.

“Israel has upheld the U.N. resolution (1701) in its entirety, and returned to Lebanon all of the territories belonging to it. Those who have destroyed and continue to destroy and prevent union are Hizbullah,” the Israeli president said.

Referring to Iran, he expressed hope that “Hizbullah would stop cherishing “the gods of missiles and begin praying to the god of peace. A peace deal with Syria could have been signed 30 years ago, as was done with Egypt. It was not us who delayed a deal, it was the Syrians,” Israeli President Shimon Peres said on Thursday.

Peres denied any knowledge of the murder of Hamas commander Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai last month, a crime for which several reports claim Mossad’s responsiblity.