"Our constitutional duty is to defend Lebanon as a Lebanese army. This is our role," Elias Murr said.

"Any Lebanese citizens, Christians or Muslims, who want to defend their land are welcomed ... Defending one's land can be done in several ways, either helping the army with food or water, giving psychological or political support," he said.

"But for the resistance (Hezbollah) to enter the army and fight alongside the army this is not an option, because the army can not fight like the resistance, nor can the resistance fight like the army," he said.

Violence erupted between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah after the Shiite militant group kidnapped two Israeli soldiers and killed eight in a cross-border attack on July 12.

Israel warned that it would launch a land attack on Hezbollah if it deems necessary.