In the past few days, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated into open conflict, with Israel intensifying its military campaign against the Lebanese militant group. Israel’s chief of staff, Maj Gen Herzi Halevi, announced that the country is preparing for the possibility of a ground operation inside Lebanon. This came as the Israeli military called up two reserve brigades and launched a sustained bombing campaign aimed at degrading Hezbollah’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
On Wednesday, Hezbollah fired a long-range missile targeting Tel Aviv. Although Israel successfully intercepted the missile with its air defenses, this marked the first time Hezbollah had directly targeted the city. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes expanded, hitting the mountains north of Beirut for the first time in this conflict. The growing intensity of the aerial conflict raised fears of further escalation.
The death toll from Israeli bombardments has now surpassed 600, with thousands more wounded, according to Lebanese health authorities. Over the past three days, around 90,000 people have been displaced, adding to the more than 200,000 people who fled southern Lebanon over the past year due to intermittent cross-border skirmishes.
The ongoing conflict has prompted international concern, with world leaders gathering at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to warn of the risk of a broader regional war. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized his efforts to work with allies toward a diplomatic solution that would allow both Israelis and Lebanese civilians to return to their homes.
Israel has justified its campaign, saying it is necessary for the safe return of 60,000 people evacuated from border regions. While Israeli attacks have so far been limited to airstrikes, the call-up of two reserve brigades signals a potential shift toward ground combat. Maj Gen Halevi told troops that the current bombing campaign is designed to pave the way for possible ground operations and to weaken Hezbollah’s capabilities. Maj Gen Uri Gordin, commander of the region, further urged Israeli soldiers to prepare for a new phase of the conflict, hinting at the potential for further military action.
Hezbollah’s missile strike on Tel Aviv, though intercepted, underscored its continued ability to pose a serious threat, even after days of intense Israeli strikes. The group claimed to be targeting intelligence headquarters, but Israeli military officials stated that the missile had been aimed at civilian areas along the coast.
Meanwhile, thousands of people have fled Lebanon, with many crossing the border into Syria, reversing the flow of refugees that has characterized the region for over a decade. As Israeli airstrikes extend beyond southern Lebanon, fears are growing that other parts of the country could come under heavy bombardment.
