Beirut, Lebanon– Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel soared over the weekend after the Lebanese group backed by Iran began launching rockets deep into northern Israel in retaliation for a series of airstrikes by the Jewish state. The exchange followed some of the most intense bombardments yet in the ongoing conflict and represents a new and perilous phase in the region.
Hezbollah Promises ‘Open-Ended War’
Of course, Iranian media was thrilled to relish the devastating blow of Israeli air raids, carried out on the southern suburbs of Beirut after it killed Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil, a funeral during which Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem announced the entry of the group into “an open-ended battle of reckoning” with Israel. He declared that he would continue his offensive until Israel could bring an end to its operations, in line with collective action toward the Palestinian cause in Gaza.
Israeli Retaliation and Civilian Precautions
In response, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the Israeli operations will continue “until it is safe” for the civilians evacuated from northern Israel to return to their homes, hinting at a protracted war. Northern Israel schools have been closed, air raid sirens continue to scream, and locals have been told to stay in close proximity to bomb shelters.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to the streets on Sunday, where he addressed Hezbollah and said, “If Hezbollah has not understood the message, I promise you, it will understand the message.” This was a way of warning Israel’s response, which took the form of escalatingly tough military action, including airstrikes that smashed and hit close to 290 Hezbollah sites.
Hezbollah Drone and Missile Attacks
Hezbollah claimed that he had attacked Israeli military sites, including barracks and industry plants, in retaliation against the attacks Israel had carried out before.
Rockets and missiles also rained into northern Israel where several buildings were damaged but no deaths have been reported.
Regional Spillover and Global Reactions
Involvement by other Iran-backed factions in the region has followed. An Iraqi-based Islamic Resistance group claimed it had launched a series of cruise missiles and drones at Israel on Sunday, thereby signaling further escalation of the conflict in the region.
International leaders expressed grave concern over the rising violence. The UN special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, said that the region was on the eve of “an imminent catastrophe” and stressed no military solution would make either side safer.
Those in the White House agreed with this view, as regional military escalation was not going to be in Israel’s best interest. The United States continued holding in support of Israel but appealed for diplomatic solutions in an attempt to try to forestall further escalation, according to Kirby: “We still believe that there is time and space for a diplomatic solution. “End
With both Hezbollah and Israel apparently getting ready for a protracted confrontation, things are very volatile. Humanitarian efforts toward a cease-fire and diplomatic resolution continue unabated, but the region remains shrouded with heightened tensions and the threat of further involvement from the surrounding nations.
