Israel and Hezbollah Continue Attacks Despite U.S. Warning on Escalation

Beirut, Lebanon — The White House has recently cautioned both Israel and Hezbollah against any further escalation following a series of explosions that targeted Hezbollah operatives this week. Nevertheless, Israeli warplanes have conducted extensive strikes across southern Lebanon in the aftermath, while Hezbollah has retaliated with attacks against northern Israel.

On Friday, Israel’s military reported loud explosions and fires, claiming responsibility for targeting hundreds of Hezbollah rocket launchers. This operation marks one of the most significant assaults on Hezbollah’s positions since the two factions began exchanging fire nearly eleven months ago, with Hezbollah asserting that its retaliatory rocket strikes were in solidarity with Hamas and the Palestinian people.

The situation grew more severe, with Hezbollah’s counterattacks killing at least two Israeli soldiers, as reported by Israeli officials. The surge in violence transpired shortly after a televised address from Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, who acknowledged that the recent explosions inflicted a “severe blow” to the group, which has long been labeled a terrorist organization by both Israel and the United States.

Nasrallah accused Israel of transgressing “all red lines” and referred to the explosions as a “declaration of war.” While Israel has not officially recognized involvement in the complex attacks, sources indicate that American officials were informed approximately twenty minutes prior to the operations that began in Lebanon on Tuesday.

Over the course of two troubling days, widespread detonation of low-tech communication devices used by Hezbollah members created chaos, resulting in over 3,000 injuries and at least 37 fatalities, including children, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

In his address, Nasrallah asserted that Israel would not succeed in prompting the return of thousands displaced from northern border towns by the conflict. At the same time, the skies over Beirut were punctuated by the sounds of Israeli fighter jets, showcasing Israel’s military capabilities.

The U.S. issued a warning on Thursday, suggesting that the next steps from either Hezbollah or the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) could carry significant consequences. “If they [Israel] do invade, they would have to occupy southern Lebanon,” said regional analyst Makram Rabah. He cautioned that such a scenario could devolve into a protracted conflict for Israel, inadvertently strengthening Hezbollah’s legitimacy.

Despite the chaotic situation, hundreds of Hezbollah fighters were reportedly injured due to the explosions, throwing the group’s communication networks into disarray. Amid these developments and the cautious statements from Israel’s defense chief regarding a “new phase” in its conflict with Iranian-backed groups, there has been no significant buildup of Israeli forces along the Lebanon border noted so far.

Although tensions are high and the prospect of an all-out conflict between Hezbollah and Israel looms, the reality of an impending war may not be as imminent as some anticipate. Any escalation could potentially jeopardize U.S. forces stationed throughout the Middle East, further complicating an already volatile situation.

The ongoing exchanges of fire and military strikes underline the fragile stability in the region, as both sides appear entrenched in a cycle of retaliation.

Source: CBS News