The chances of de-escalation in the West Asian conflict appear dim as the confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies. Recent developments suggest that Israel may be preparing for a full-scale ground offensive in Lebanon, while airstrikes continue to pound Hezbollah targets across the country.
In a message to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday, Israeli Army Chief Herzi Halevi instructed troops to brace for the possibility of ground operations in Lebanon, amid ongoing air assaults on Hezbollah. Halevi addressed IDF troops, stating, “We have been striking all day, both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah.” The Israeli military has claimed to have hit over 2,000 Hezbollah positions, including intelligence sites, weapons depots, and rocket launchers.
On Monday, Israel moved two reserve brigades to its northern front, reinforcing its military presence along the Lebanese border in anticipation of a potential ground invasion. Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force targeted around 280 Hezbollah sites on Wednesday alone.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated Israel’s commitment to aerial strikes in Lebanon, though no ground offensive has been officially greenlit. Netanyahu emphasized that operations would continue until the safe return of Israeli citizens displaced by Hezbollah attacks in northern Israel. However, tensions remain high as Hezbollah’s range of attacks has expanded in recent days, sparking fears of a broader regional conflict.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has escalated its rocket fire into northern Israel, claiming responsibility for multiple strikes on Israeli towns, including Safed and Nahariya. In a more significant move, Hezbollah launched a ballistic missile at Israel’s Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv, marking the first such attack in nearly a year. Israeli military sources reported damage to several buildings, though further details of casualties have not been confirmed.
In a troubling development, the Israeli port of Eilat was struck by a suspected drone attack on Wednesday, injuring two people. The attack, claimed by an umbrella group of Iranian-backed militias from Iraq, further inflamed the situation. A second drone was intercepted by the IDF, suggesting a coordinated attempt to strike Israeli infrastructure.
Lebanon has borne the brunt of Israeli retaliation, with the Lebanese Health Ministry reporting that 72 people were killed and 400 injured in Israeli strikes on Wednesday alone. The total death toll in Lebanon since the escalation began has surpassed 600. Israeli bombardment has also caused a mass exodus, with nearly one million Lebanese fleeing their homes, according to UN reports.
Iran, a close ally of Hezbollah, has warned Israel against further escalation. Tehran issued a stern message on Thursday, stating it would fully support Lebanon if the conflict worsens. “Iran has shown tremendous patience for the sake of regional peace, but we will not remain indifferent in the case of a full-scale war,” read a statement from Iranian officials, reaffirming their backing of Hezbollah.
As the situation in West Asia deteriorates, the prospect of a broader conflict looms, drawing in regional powers like Iran and further destabilizing an already fragile region. The world watches anxiously, as both Israel and Hezbollah continue to exchange fire, with no clear path to de-escalation in sight.
