Hezbollah has confirmed that it fired rockets at two Israeli military bases near Tel Aviv and a naval facility west of Haifa on Tuesday morning, coinciding with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Israel aimed at pushing for a ceasefire. Diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the increasing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have so far been unsuccessful, even as fighting has intensified in recent weeks.
Hezbollah’s Rocket Attack Amid Heightened Tensions
The attack by Hezbollah followed a night of heavy Israeli airstrikes targeting southern Lebanon and the suburbs of Beirut. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching rockets at the Glilot base, used by Israel’s military intelligence Unit 8200, and at the Nirit area located in the suburbs of Tel Aviv. Additionally, rockets were fired at a naval base near Haifa.
No immediate reports of casualties have emerged from these strikes. However, Israeli authorities activated air sirens in areas southeast of Tel Aviv in response to projectiles identified crossing from Lebanon, landing in open spaces. This escalation underscores the volatile situation in the region, especially as Blinken’s diplomatic mission unfolds.
Blinken’s Efforts to Negotiate a Ceasefire
Blinken’s trip marks his eleventh visit to the region since Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which ignited the ongoing Gaza war. As Israel intensifies its military campaign against Iran-backed groups, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Blinken aims to revive negotiations to quell the violence.
During his week-long Middle East tour, which also includes stops in Jordan and Qatar, Blinken is expected to address Israel’s retaliation for Iran’s ballistic missile attack on October 1. A senior US State Department official noted that a response could disrupt oil markets and risk escalating into a full-blown war between Israel and Iran, both of which have longstanding tensions.
In a related context, Iran has formally complained to the U.N. nuclear watchdog regarding Israeli threats to strike its nuclear sites. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated during a regional tour in Kuwait that while Iran seeks to reduce tensions, it is prepared for any conflict.
Challenges to Achieving a Lasting Resolution
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, experts warn that significant breakthroughs are unlikely as both Hamas and Israel remain deeply entrenched in their positions. The US administration’s recent narrative has suggested that the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli forces could create an opening to potentially resolve the Gaza war. Sinwar was accused of orchestrating the October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 253 others.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that military operations will persist. Since the onset of the conflict, Israeli bombardments have claimed the lives of over 42,500 Palestinians, with thousands more unaccounted for, according to Gaza health authorities.
US envoy Amos Hochstein has been engaged in discussions with Lebanese officials in Beirut, focusing on conditions necessary for a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. Hochstein noted that merely committing to UN Resolution 1701, which concluded the last conflict between the two parties in 2006, is insufficient. This resolution calls for southern Lebanon to be free of armed groups except for those belonging to the Lebanese state.
Hochstein pointed out that neither side has adequately implemented the resolution and emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure its proper execution. He stated that understanding what further actions are required to implement the resolution “fairly, accurately, and transparently” is essential for any enduring solution to the current hostilities.
The Road Ahead
As diplomatic efforts continue in a highly charged atmosphere, the situation in Israel and Lebanon remains precarious. With ongoing military operations and deep-rooted animosities, the path to peace is fraught with challenges. Blinken’s visit reflects the urgent need for a ceasefire and a lasting resolution to the conflict, but as both sides remain unwilling to compromise significantly, the prospects for peace appear dim. As the international community watches closely, the region’s stability hangs in the balance, with the potential for further escalation ever-present.