A photo provided by the Israel Defense Forces on Sept. 25, 2024, shows Commander of the IDF Northern Command, Major General Uri Gordin (center) visiting commanders and fighters of the 7th Brigade for an “operational situation assessment” amid ongoing operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, on Sept. 24, 2024.Handout/Israel Defense Forces
Israel is gearing up for potential military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon as the death toll from airstrikes continues to rise. On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Israel’s top military officials hinted at a shift in strategy, possibly leading to ground operations. This development follows more than a week of airstrikes in Lebanon, which have resulted in over 600 deaths, as reported by Lebanese authorities. Thousands of people have been displaced by the ongoing conflict, and tensions are escalating along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Major General Ori Gordin, commander of Israel’s northern front, made a statement indicating that the country’s forces are now entering a new phase of operations. His remarks came after a visit to the border region, where he observed ongoing military exercises. Gordin stressed the importance of being “fully prepared for maneuvers and action” against Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran. However, it remains unclear whether this involves a full-scale ground incursion into Lebanon.
Hezbollah has increased its rocket and missile attacks against Israel in recent weeks, following a massacre carried out by the group’s ally, Hamas, in Gaza earlier this month. Israel responded with airstrikes targeting Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Hezbollah has launched dozens of rockets and drones, including an attempted missile strike on Tel Aviv, which was intercepted. While many of Hezbollah’s attacks have been thwarted by Israel’s advanced missile defense systems, the damage inflicted on Lebanon has been significant.
The heart of Beirut, particularly Hezbollah strongholds, has been targeted by Israeli airstrikes. On Tuesday, September 24, a key Hezbollah commander, Ibrahim Qubaisi, who led the group’s missile force, was killed in an Israeli strike. In response, Hezbollah vowed to continue its attacks until Israel ceases its operations in Gaza.
The situation has prompted concerns about a wider regional conflict, with the U.S. and other countries urging Israel to pursue diplomatic solutions rather than escalating the war. A senior U.S. State Department official stated that the Biden administration is focused on de-escalation. The U.S. fears that a prolonged conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could destabilize the Middle East, putting American forces in the region at greater risk.
Despite calls for restraint, the violence continues to escalate. Hezbollah has vowed to maintain its attacks on Israel until Israeli forces leave Gaza, where the war has been raging for 11 months. Israel, on the other hand, is determined to protect its citizens and ensure the safe return of those displaced by Hezbollah’s attacks in the north. The situation remains tense, with the prospect of an all-out war becoming increasingly likely.
Lebanese officials are also warning of the potential for greater devastation. The foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq issued a joint statement on Tuesday condemning what they called “Israeli aggression” in Lebanon. They warned that Israel’s actions could lead to an all-out regional war, drawing in other countries, including Iran, which supports Hezbollah, and the United States, Israel’s key ally.
For now, Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket fire continue, with both sides unwilling to back down. The international community watches closely, fearing that the conflict could spiral into something far more destructive. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the situation will stabilize or descend into further chaos.
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