Iran-backed Hezbollah, militant group operating from Lebanon launched a big attack on Israel in retaliation for killing its senior commander in southern Lebanon a day earlier. The attack was one of the largest so far between Israel-Hezbollah cross border fighting.
There has been regular exchange of fires across the borders since Israel launched a war in Gaza last year. Hezbollah says it will continue to fight Israel until Israeli forces keep up its attack on armed group Hamas in Gaza Strip.
Israel vs Hezbollah war might escalate into a larger regional conflict
The two sides have repeatedly launched air strikes since the Gaza war began in October 2023, killing civilians and combatants of both sides. Recently Israeli forces acknowledged killing a high ranking commander, Mohammad Naameh Nasser of Hezbollah in a drone strike in Southern Lebanon. In retaliation Hezbollah has said it launched over 200 rockets at several military bases in Israel.
The conflict has been constantly escalating for months raising fears of a full-scale war. Israeli officials have threatened a military attack if negotiations are not reached to push Hezbollah away from the border. There is increasing tensions between both the conflicting parties which could escalate a wider conflict in the region.
The United States has been leading the diplomatic push to avoid a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah, a danger that appears to have grown in recent weeks. These cross border strikes could lead to further escalations.
Israeli officials have publicly spoken of shifting military focus from Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon. These developments have potential to ignite regional war involving Iran in the process. If the diplomatic solution fails Israel might proceed to wage a full-scale war with Hezbollah.
But then the question arises can Israel fight a two front war? The situation appears grim for Israel.
Can Israel fight a two front war?
Israel has been fighting war with Palestinian armed group Hamas since they launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This full fledged conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The attack on Gaza has caused the death of more than 38000 people and displaced about two million people multiple times. It has brought universal condemnation against Israel and calls for a permanent ceasefire. Israel no longer has the capacity to launch another front war against Hezbollah while they are still fighting a war in Gaza.
Joe Biden had unveiled and endorsed a new three phase ceasefire proposal for Gaza last month. The UN Security Council has passed a resolution giving the ceasefire proposal its approval. Israel is in talks with Hamas regarding the latest ceasefire agreement unveiled by Biden, in case a larger war breaks out with Lebanon.
Iran backed Hezbollah which seems to be a more prominent threat than Hamas and has said time and again that it will stop the firing if the ceasefire is reached in Gaza. Hamas is also being sponsored by Iran, providing them with funds, weapons and training. Therefore the ceasefire proposal is critical to avoid a larger regional conflict and for the peace in Gaza.
Earlier Israel was hell bent to keep fighting until Hamas were destroyed. As of now the situation has changed, Israeli generals are ready to settle a ceasefire agreement even if it keeps Hamas in power for the time being.
Both the military groups Hamas and Hezbollah are designated as terrorist organizations by Israel, the UK and other countries.
3 Comments
Pretty comprehensive and informative.
Well explained and comprehensive
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