The Rising Tensions Between Israel and Hezbollah: A Closer Look
The recent deadly rocket strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights has raised concerns about the possibility of a full-scale war between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah. Both parties have expressed their desire to avoid such a conflict, but have also stated that they are prepared for it if necessary.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began on October 8, following an attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on communities in southern Israel, which sparked the Gaza war. Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, has been launching attacks in support of the Palestinians who are under Israeli bombardment in Gaza. This conflict has drawn in Iran-backed militants from across the region, with Hezbollah being widely regarded as the most powerful member of the Iran-backed network known as the Axis of Resistance.
Hezbollah has made it clear that it will not halt its attacks on Israel unless a ceasefire is implemented in Gaza. While the conflict is linked to Gaza, it has its own dynamics. Israel and Hezbollah have a long history of fighting, with their last major conflict occurring in 2006. Israel has always viewed Hezbollah as its biggest threat and has been alarmed by the group’s growing arsenal and its presence in Syria. Hezbollah was founded in 1982 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to fight against Israeli forces that had invaded Lebanon that year. Its ideology is largely centered around conflict with Israel, considering it an illegitimate state established on occupied Palestinian lands.
The current conflict has already taken a toll on both sides. Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes on both sides of the border. Israeli airstrikes have targeted areas where Hezbollah operates in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley near the Syrian border. Israel has also conducted strikes in other areas, including the killing of a senior Hamas commander in Beirut. According to sources, Israeli strikes have killed around 350 Hezbollah fighters and over 100 civilians, including medics, children, and journalists. On the other hand, Hezbollah denies responsibility for the attack on Majdal Shams, which resulted in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers.
Despite the intensity of the current hostilities, it is still considered a relatively contained confrontation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that if Hezbollah starts an all-out war, Beirut will be turned into another Gaza. Hezbollah, on the other hand, has indicated that it is not seeking to escalate the conflict, but is ready to fight if necessary. Past wars between Israel and Hezbollah have caused significant damage, with the 2006 conflict resulting in the destruction of large areas of Beirut’s southern suburbs, the knocking out of Beirut airport, and the displacement of nearly 1 million people in Lebanon. Hezbollah now possesses a larger arsenal, including rockets that can reach all parts of Israel, and has demonstrated advances in its weaponry.
The escalation of the conflict could potentially be avoided if a ceasefire is reached in Gaza. The United States, which considers Hezbollah a terrorist group, has been involved in diplomatic efforts to ease the conflict. Hezbollah has expressed its openness to an agreement that benefits Lebanon, but insists that discussions can only take place once Israel halts its offensive in Gaza. Israel has also expressed a preference for a diplomatic settlement, but is prepared for a military offensive if necessary. Efforts have been made to establish a recognized border between Lebanon and Israel, with a French proposal suggesting the withdrawal of elite Hezbollah fighters from the frontier and negotiations to settle disputes over the land border.
In conclusion, the tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated due to the recent rocket strike in the Golan Heights. Both parties have expressed their desire to avoid a full-scale war, but are prepared for it if necessary. The conflict is linked to the ongoing Gaza war, but has its own dynamics. Efforts are being made to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, which could potentially de-escalate tensions in southern Lebanon. The involvement of the United States and other diplomatic efforts may play a crucial role in finding a resolution to the conflict and establishing a recognized border between Lebanon and Israel.