Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Lebanon on Tuesday, cautioning that the country could face a devastating fate similar to that of Gaza if it continues to allow Hezbollah to operate within its borders. This warning coincides with the Israeli military’s ramped-up offensive against Hezbollah along Lebanon’s southern coastline, where additional troops have been deployed and civilians have been urged to evacuate the area.
In a direct video address to the Lebanese people, Netanyahu implored them to liberate their country from Hezbollah’s influence to avert further destruction. “You have an opportunity to save Lebanon before it falls into the abyss of a long war that will lead to destruction and suffering like we see in Gaza,” he emphasized. His message underscored the urgent need for action against Hezbollah to prevent Lebanon from suffering the same catastrophic consequences that have befallen Gaza, which has endured widespread devastation from ongoing conflict.
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Escalating Hostilities: Hezbollah’s Retaliation
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified recently, particularly after Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching rockets at the Israeli port city of Haifa. This escalation occurred following reports from the Israeli military indicating that 85 projectiles had crossed the border from Lebanon into Israel. In response, Hezbollah has threatened to continue its attacks on Israeli cities if Israeli strikes on Lebanese population centers persist.
Leadership Crisis Within Hezbollah
Hezbollah’s leadership is currently facing significant challenges. In late September, Israeli airstrikes killed its long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, marking a crucial blow to the organization. Nasrallah, who had led Hezbollah since 1992, was considered one of Lebanon’s most powerful figures. Following his death, Israel continued its military operations by targeting Hashem Safieddine, a senior Hezbollah figure believed to be Nasrallah’s successor.
Although Hezbollah has not confirmed Safieddine’s death, Netanyahu suggested in his address that both Nasrallah and Safieddine had been killed. “We have degraded Hezbollah’s capabilities; we took out thousands of terrorists, including Nasrallah himself and his successors,” Netanyahu stated.
Israel’s Strategic Military Operations
The Israeli military has shifted its focus toward Lebanon’s coastal regions, conducting localized, targeted operations aimed at Hezbollah infrastructure. Civilians have been urged to evacuate as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carry out strikes targeting Hezbollah’s strongholds, particularly in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a critical base for the group. Israel has also dismantled Hezbollah tunnels that lead into its territory.
Hezbollah’s Resilience and Defiance
Despite suffering significant losses, Hezbollah remains defiant. Its deputy leader Naim Qassem asserted that the group’s military capabilities are intact and that they are prepared for a prolonged conflict. This declaration came even as Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described Hezbollah as a “broken organization,” whose leadership has been severely compromised following the elimination of Nasrallah and other key figures.
Gallant remarked that Israel’s military campaign has disrupted Hezbollah’s command structure, significantly diminishing the group’s firepower capabilities. However, Hezbollah continues to maintain its presence along the Lebanese border.
The Role of Iran in the Conflict
The conflict is not confined to Israel and Hezbollah; Iran plays a significant role as a supporter of Hezbollah, providing weapons, funding, and political backing. Israeli forces have also engaged with Iran-backed militias across the region, including in Syria and Yemen. Recently, an Israeli airstrike in Damascus targeted a building used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah, resulting in civilian casualties, according to reports from the Syrian government.
Israel has accused Hezbollah of using civilian areas as shields for military operations, a tactic that has drawn international condemnation. In response, Hezbollah has highlighted the heavy civilian toll in Gaza as evidence of Israel’s indiscriminate use of force, contributing to the dire humanitarian crisis affecting nearly all 2.4 million residents of Gaza, who have been displaced at least once due to ongoing bombardment.
Amidst the escalating violence, there are emerging reports that Iran may be seeking a ceasefire in Lebanon, potentially due to Hezbollah’s mounting losses. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi recently visited Beirut, expressing support for a ceasefire but emphasized that any agreement would need Hezbollah’s backing.
As the situation evolves, both regional and international stakeholders continue to monitor the escalating conflict, with significant implications for stability in the region.
