In a possible escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel’s army chief has instructed troops to prepare for a potential incursion into Lebanon. This comes as Israeli fighter jets intensify their bombardment of Hezbollah targets across the border, marking the most severe air assault since 2006.
“Israel said its warplanes hit south Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, a Hezbollah stronghold further north, and that it was calling up two more reserve brigades for operations on the northern border. The Israeli military reported intercepting a heavy missile headed towards civilian areas in Tel Aviv; however, Hezbollah claimed the missile was aimed at the headquarters of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.
As Israel widens its airstrikes in Lebanon, world leaders are expressing growing alarm over the situation. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated that Washington and its allies are working tirelessly to prevent a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Sources close to the matter reveal that the United States is spearheading a new diplomatic initiative aimed at addressing both the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. This marks the first time that diplomatic efforts have encompassed both fronts simultaneously.
According to Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib, the ongoing hostilities have already resulted in the displacement of nearly 500,000 people in Lebanon. Lebanese Economy Minister Amin Salam warned of potential chaos without an immediate political solution, citing a monthly humanitarian crisis cost of at least 135 million dollars. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video message, asserted that he was facing unprecedented retaliation. Mr. Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to facilitating the return of tens of thousands of Israelis to their homes in the northern border areas.
