Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is ready to carry out an intense operation along its border with Lebanon, as the fighting between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah has escalated over the past week, raising concerns of a wider conflict. Netanyahu made the statement during a visit to the border area, emphasizing Israel’s determination to restore security to the north.
Hezbollah retaliated by launching attacks on Israeli positions, including a “guided missile” strike on an “Iron Dome platform” at the Ramot Naftali barracks. Reports indicated that a Hezbollah drone attack on the northern town of Hurfeish in Israel injured at least ten people, with one in critical condition. Israel has intensified its targeting of Hezbollah members and allied fighters in Lebanon in recent weeks.
Israeli coalition partners, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have also called for immediate action, with Ben-Gvir advocating for the destruction of all Hezbollah strongholds and Smotrich proposing a ground invasion into southern Lebanon to distance Hezbollah terrorists and Lebanese civilians from the border.
Israeli Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi stated that the army was prepared to move to an offensive in the north, signalling a potential escalation of the conflict. The hostilities, which have resulted in casualties on both sides, have forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.
Amidst the escalating tensions, Deputy Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem stated that the group’s decision was not to widen the war but that it would respond if imposed upon. However, he emphasized that Hezbollah’s capabilities were not fully utilized and warned of devastating consequences if Israel chose to expand the conflict. He also linked the situation in Lebanon to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Experts have expressed concerns about the heightened risk of an escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, with emotions running high and the potential for miscalculation leading to a larger confrontation. The United States emphasized its pursuit of a diplomatic solution and its support for Israel’s right to defend itself while also linking the situation to efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.
The potential implications of an Israeli attack on Lebanon were also highlighted, with experts warning that it could lead to significant consequences for both sides. Hezbollah’s increased arsenal and advances in weaponry since 2006 have raised the stakes in the conflict, adding to the complexities and potential risks of further escalation.
