Israel's Claims and Hezbollah's Resilience in Ongoing Conflict
The recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has raised significant questions regarding the effectiveness of Israeli military operations against Hezbollah's missile capabilities. According to military expert Brigadier General Hassan Jouni, the Israeli army's assertions of having destroyed 6,000 Hezbollah missiles appear to be contradicted by the ongoing missile attacks launched by Hezbollah, which recently targeted northern Israel, including Haifa. This development suggests that Hezbollah's military capabilities remain intact and operational despite Israeli claims of success.
Brigadier General Jouni emphasized that the continued missile strikes from Hezbollah indicate that the group has maintained its missile arsenal, strategically hidden in mountainous regions, ready for deployment. He noted that Hezbollah's leadership has a clear military plan, which includes the capability to launch missiles at a time of their choosing, thereby maintaining a balance of power in the region.
Furthermore, Naim Qassem, Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General, reinforced this sentiment by asserting that the militia's military capabilities have not been diminished and criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for living in an illusion regarding the return of settlers to northern Israel. Qassem's statements come amid reports of intensified Israeli military operations in Lebanon and the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander, which Israel claims is a crucial blow to the militia's operations.
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian situation in Lebanon is deteriorating, with UN agencies highlighting food shortages and a significant displacement of the population due to the ongoing violence. The World Food Programme has reported that around one million people in Lebanon require urgent assistance, exacerbated by the destruction of agricultural land from Israeli airstrikes. The risk of disease outbreaks is also increasing, according to the World Health Organization, as overcrowded conditions in shelters for displaced individuals worsen.
In summary, the military dynamics between Israel and Hezbollah are complex, with ongoing missile attacks suggesting Hezbollah's resilience despite Israeli claims of having significantly degraded its capabilities. As the conflict escalates, the humanitarian implications for Lebanon and the broader region remain severe.
