In the midst of escalating threats and crossfire between Israel and Hezbollah, U.S. President Joe Biden has urgently dispatched his envoy, Amos Hochstein, to the region in an effort to prevent an open war with unpredictable consequences. On Wednesday, Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah issued a stern warning, stating that while he does not desire a 'total war,' he will fight 'without rules or limits' by land, sea, and air if provoked by Israel.
Nasrallah expanded his threats to include Cyprus, a member of the European Union, warning that if the island allows its bases to be used for attacks on Lebanon, it would be considered 'part of the war.' Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides responded by emphasizing that Cyprus is 'not involved in any way' in the conflict and is 'part of the solution, not the problem,' exemplified by its role in the maritime corridor to bring aid to Gaza.
In his televised speech, Nasrallah emphasized that no place in Israel would be safe from Hezbollah's missiles and drones. He boasted about a recent coup in which a drone launched from Lebanon captured images of the strategic port of Haifa, more than 30 kilometers from the border, and returned without being intercepted. This port is the largest of Israel's three international ports.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded by threatening to change the rules of engagement against Hezbollah and Lebanon, stating that in an all-out war, Hezbollah would be destroyed and Lebanon severely damaged. The Israeli army also reported the approval of 'operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon.'
The ongoing conflict has led to significant displacement, with around 94,000 Lebanese and more than 60,000 Israelis evacuated from their homes in the crossfire zone. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the border, which sees daily aerial bombardments, and declared that Israel is 'prepared for very intense action.'
The history of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah dates back to a 34-day war in 2006, where Hezbollah claimed victory despite heavy casualties on both sides. Today, Hezbollah boasts a larger arsenal and a more prepared force, with Nasrallah claiming that his group has more than 100,000 combat-ready men and has received new weapons.
While some voices in the Israeli army and politics consider an open war inevitable, a minority far-right sector sees an opportunity to reoccupy southern Lebanon permanently and build Jewish settlements there. This contentious idea is rooted in the biblical concept of the Land of Israel, which some ultra-nationalist Jews believe includes parts of modern-day Lebanon.
- The leader of Hezbollah, Hasan Nasrallah, warned that if Israel initiates a war against Lebanon, the entire Mediterranean Sea region would be affected. He stated that all Israeli coasts, beaches, ports, and ships would be targeted, and that the Israeli army is incapable of defending itself in such a battle.
- Nasrallah's speech comes after eight months of confrontations that have created a low-intensity or attrition war. Despite these tensions, Hezbollah insists that it will cease attacks if Israel ends its war in Gaza, though the Israeli government treats these as separate fronts.
- Foreign Minister Israel Katz has stated that in an all-out war, Hezbollah would be destroyed and Lebanon severely damaged. He emphasized that Israel would pay a price both at the front and in the rear, but with a strong, united nation and the full power of the army, Israel would restore security to its northern residents.
- The ongoing conflict has caused significant displacement, with around 94,000 Lebanese and more than 60,000 Israelis evacuated from their homes in the crossfire zone. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel is prepared for very intense action, indicating the possibility of further escalation.
- Hezbollah's history of conflict with Israel includes a 34-day war in 2006, where Hezbollah claimed victory despite heavy casualties. Today, Hezbollah is better armed and prepared, with Nasrallah claiming that his group has over 100,000 combat-ready men and has received new weapons.
- Some voices in the Israeli army and politics consider an open war inevitable to push Hezbollah's elite forces north of the Litani River, as established by UN resolution 1701. A minority far-right sector also sees an opportunity to reoccupy southern Lebanon permanently and build Jewish settlements there, rooted in the biblical concept of the Land of Israel.
