BEIRUT: Tensions in the region have increased in light of the United States confirming that Israel is conducting limited ground operations within Lebanon, raising fears of a full-scale invasion. Late Monday, Israeli military officials ordered residents to evacuate three neighborhoods in southern Beirut according to preparations from their military for strikes against Hezbollah targets.
Following the threats of a ground assault by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hezbollah and Iranian officials were firm in their response. Reports indicate Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem said that the group was prepared to continue resisting and would shortly appoint a new leader to replace Hassan Nasrallah, who was reportedly killed in recent Israeli airstrikes.
In a televised address, Qassem stated that Hezbollah is prepared to face any Israeli aggression, saying, “We will act decisively against any threats to our sovereignty.” Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani condemned Israel’s actions and said Iran would respond to what he described as “criminal acts.” This followed the recent killing of senior Hezbollah and Iranian military figures in airstrikes.
Reports that the Israeli military has been shelling areas including Wazzani, Marjayoun, and Khiam for two hours, have left many apprehensive of what is soon to come.
According to the Lebanese National News Agency, the operations were confirmed and raised the sentiment of potential more war.
International Calls for Cessation of Fighting
Amidst such developments world leaders call for de-escalation. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged an immediate stop to the Israeli strikes and refraining from land invasions at his Beirut visit. He reminded France of its commitment to support the Lebanese army in maintaining stability.
U.S. President Joe Biden had also condemned the air attacks in Lebanon, stating that there should be a ceasefire. “I’m aware of the situation and comfortable with them stopping. We should have a ceasefire now,” Biden said, stressing significance to the halt of further military campaigns.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy was among those who shared the same view as he met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Israeli PM Warns Iran
As tensions in the region surge, Netanyahu made a stark warning to Iran, declaring no part of the Middle East is beyond the firing range of Israel. He is saying the current Iranian regime is leading the region toward more violence and instability. “Every moment you permit your regime to act without any constraint is a step closer to the abyss,” he declared.
Iranian authorities have been stating that they are not going to deploy additional troops that would directly counter Israel, adopting the posture that Lebanon and Palestine local forces are sufficiently potent to handle Israeli actions.
The international community is on its toes, awaiting further militarization and operations within the regional fields.
