The Israeli military has initiated a "limited, localized" operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This development comes nearly a year after the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023.
According to Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the operation involves "targeted ground raids" in villages close to the Israeli border. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim these targets pose an immediate threat to communities in northern Israel.
Hezbollah, founded in 1982 during the Lebanese Civil War, has been exchanging fire with Israel almost daily since October 8, 2023. The group, considered a terrorist organization by several countries including the US and Israel, is estimated to have around 45,000 active fighters and receives significant support from Iran.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has expressed concern over this "dangerous development," urging all parties to step back from escalatory actions. UNIFIL emphasized that any crossing into Lebanon violates Lebanese sovereignty and UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister, recently issued a warning to Iran, Hezbollah's primary backer, stating, "There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach." This statement comes in the wake of an airstrike near Beirut that reportedly killed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah's long-time leader who had been in hiding since the 2006 war.
Despite these losses, Hezbollah's acting leader, Naim Kassem, has vowed that the group will continue fighting. The organization, which has a strong political presence in Lebanon and holds seats in parliament, has reportedly replaced its slain commanders quickly.
The conflict has had severe humanitarian consequences. The UN and Lebanese government have launched a $426 million flash appeal for urgent aid to assist civilians affected by the fighting. Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated that Lebanon is experiencing "one of the most dangerous moments in its history," with an estimated 1 million people displaced.
International reactions to the escalation have been swift. Italy's Premier Giorgia Meloni called for an urgent de-escalation, emphasizing the protection of civilians and the Italian military contingent in UNIFIL. The United States National Security Council stated that Israel's limited operations are within its right to self-defense but warned against mission creep.
As tensions rise, concerns grow about the potential for a wider regional conflict. Hezbollah's extensive rocket arsenal, estimated at around 130,000 rockets and missiles, and its network of tunnels along the Lebanon-Israel border pose significant challenges to any military operation.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides accusing each other of violating the terms of UN Resolution 1701. As the international community calls for restraint, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether this limited operation remains contained or sparks a larger conflagration in an already volatile region.
[[Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, Israeli military spokesperson]]
The area between the border and the Litani River is swarming with Hezbollah terrorists and weapons.