Israel attacks southern Lebanon, Hezbollah launches rockets at Israel

 

Israel Attacks Southern Lebanon, Hezbollah Launches Rockets at Israel: A Rising Tide of Escalation

Update : 25 Aug 2024    5:30

By  M.k.karikalsozhan  blog  Reporter

In a region where tension often simmers just beneath the surface, the recent exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah has sparked fresh concerns of a full-blown conflict. On Sunday, Israel launched airstrikes on southern Lebanon, claiming it was a “preemptive” move to thwart an imminent Hezbollah attack on its northern towns. In response, Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets, marking a significant escalation in a conflict that has been intensifying since the onset of Israel's war on Gaza in October.

 The Preemptive Strike: Israel’s Justification

Israel's decision to launch airstrikes on southern Lebanon stems from its belief that Hezbollah was preparing a substantial assault on its northern regions. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared a nationwide “special situation” for 48 hours starting from 6am (03:00 GMT) on Sunday. This rare declaration was accompanied by the closure of Israel’s Ben Gurion airport and a series of restrictions on civilians in northern Israel and the Golan Heights.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that Israel was “determined to do everything possible to defend” itself, adding, “Whoever harms us – we harm him.” Netanyahu’s remarks reflected Israel’s stance of acting in self-defence, a message reiterated by Israeli military spokespeople. The intensity of the strikes, involving 100 jets bombing thousands of Hezbollah launch sites, underscores the seriousness with which Israel views the threat from its northern neighbour.

Hezbollah’s Retaliation: A Calculated Response

Hezbollah's retaliation was swift and substantial. The group claimed to have fired over 320 Katyusha rockets at 11 Israeli military bases and barracks, including the Meron base and several sites in the occupied Golan Heights. This attack was labelled as the first phase of their retaliation for the killing of commander Fuad Shukr at the end of July, which they attribute to Israel.

While Hezbollah has been launching rockets into Israel since the beginning of the Gaza conflict, Sunday’s attack represents a marked escalation. The Lebanese group has been anticipating a response to the targeted killings of senior commanders in Hezbollah and its ally Hamas, both of which were blamed on Israel. By striking multiple targets deep within Israel, Hezbollah signalled its capability and willingness to escalate the conflict further.

 The Human Toll: Casualties and Fear on Both Sides

The human cost of this escalation is already evident. Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that one person was critically injured in an Israeli drone attack in Qasimia, and another was killed in the town of Khiam. On the Israeli side, reports emerged of injuries in northern Israel, though the exact numbers remain unclear. The sight of smoke rising from the southern Lebanese town of Khiam, captured in images circulating globally, symbolises the violence and destruction unfolding in this latest round of hostilities.

The situation is particularly dire for civilians in the affected areas. Both in southern Lebanon and northern Israel, residents live in fear of the next strike, with limited options for shelter and safety. The Israeli military’s focus on southern Lebanon, while attempting to minimise civilian casualties, still poses a significant threat to those living near the border.

 A Conflict on the Brink: The Global Implications

The escalation between Israel and Hezbollah has not only regional but also global implications. The fear of an all-out regional conflict has multiplied, especially after the recent assassinations of key figures like Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Both killings were blamed on Israel, further inflaming tensions with Hezbollah and its allies.

Sami Nader, director of the Levant Institute for Strategic Affairs, warned that Israel’s attacks have “the potential to draw the whole region into the full-blown war.” However, he also noted that both sides are likely trying to avoid such a scenario. The delicate balance of power in the region means that any miscalculation could lead to widespread violence, drawing in other regional powers and possibly triggering a broader conflict.

 The International Response: A Call for Restraint

The international community has been quick to respond to the escalating violence. The United States reiterated its support for Israel’s right to defend itself, with President Joe Biden directing senior US officials to maintain continuous communication with their Israeli counterparts. This stance aligns with the US's longstanding policy of backing Israel in its security concerns, though it also calls for restraint to avoid a wider conflict.

Meanwhile, Egypt has been hosting talks aimed at ending Israel’s war on Gaza, which has now dragged on for 11 months. Hezbollah has indicated that it would consider halting its attacks if a ceasefire is reached in Gaza. However, no diplomatic settlement seems imminent, with Israel appearing determined to change the rules of engagement in its northern conflict

 A Conflict with No Clear End

The ongoing exchange of attacks between Israel and Hezbollah shows no signs of abating. While both sides have powerful motivations to avoid a full-scale war, the risk of miscalculation remains high. Israel’s airstrikes, justified as preemptive self-defence, have drawn a robust response from Hezbollah, which in turn has triggered further Israeli attacks. The cycle of violence is self-perpetuating, with each side feeling compelled to retaliate to maintain its credibility and deter future attacks.

As the conflict escalates, the international community’s role becomes increasingly crucial. Diplomatic efforts must be redoubled to prevent a broader regional conflict that could have devastating consequences not only for Israel and Lebanon but for the entire Middle East.

Conclusion: The Need for a Lasting Resolution

The recent violence between Israel and Hezbollah is a stark reminder of the volatility of the Middle East. While both sides engage in a dangerous game of brinkmanship, the human cost continues to rise, and the threat of a larger conflict looms. A lasting resolution to this conflict requires more than temporary ceasefires and military posturing. It demands a comprehensive diplomatic effort that addresses the root causes of the violence and paves the way for lasting peace in the region.

                                          https://youtu.be/Piw2pH6hnEE?si=LWRY36y-4KVzmeIX

As global powers watch closely, the need for restraint and dialogue has never been more critical. The stakes are high, and the consequences of failure could be catastrophic for the region and beyond.