As Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Lebanon, warning of a situation of destruction similar to that seen in Gaza. The warning comes as Israel intensifies its ground offensive against Hezbollah along the Lebanese coast.
Tensions have escalated as the Israeli military deployed additional troops and urged civilians in coastal areas to evacuate. Netanyahu spoke directly to the Lebanese people in a video, calling for measures to save the country from a spiral of destructive war and suffering similar to that seen in Gaza. He stressed the importance of getting rid of Hezbollah to end the conflict.
In response, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rocket fire on the Israeli port city of Haifa, while the Israeli military reported the passage of 85 projectiles from Lebanon. The escalation of violence comes nearly a year after Hezbollah and Israel began to exchange fire, following the deadly attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023.
With Israel already engaged in a conflict with Hamas in Gaza, the country is seeking to secure its northern border with Lebanon to allow the return of thousands of Israelis displaced by Hezbollah’s cross-border attacks. Both Hamas and Hezbollah have vowed not to ease pressure on Israel, and Hezbollah has made clear its intention to prevent Israelis from returning to the north of the country.
Israeli strikes have already wreaked havoc in Lebanon, with more than 1,150 dead and more than a million displaced. The main targets have been Hezbollah strongholds in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as southern Beirut. However, the recent evacuation warning issued by Israel suggests an expansion of operations to the north.
In a context where the civilian population is badly affected, fishermen in Sidon have had to abandon the sea for fear of reprisals. This situation raises questions about the extent of the potential damage to the Lebanese population and the possible new fronts of confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah.
This cycle of violence demonstrates the magnitude of the security challenges facing the region and underscores the need for a lasting political solution to prevent new conflicts. As tensions persist and regional actors remain deeply mired in age-old rivalries, the international community must redouble its efforts to end this spiral of violence and work towards peace and stability in the Middle East.