Israel Intensifies Campaigns in Lebanon and Gaza Amid Renewed Clashes with Hezbollah

Israel’s campaigns in Lebanon and Gaza intensified over the weekend, with Israeli forces launching multiple strikes in the wake of recent clashes and amid ongoing tensions with Hezbollah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Israel’s northern border underscored the escalated violence in Lebanon, a confrontation Israel contends is necessary to push Hezbollah militants back, secure its borders, and counter any further build-up of military capabilities near its northern front.

Escalation in Lebanon and Border Skirmishes

In recent developments, Israel’s military focused air and ground assaults on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon. Netanyahu, addressing troops on Sunday, reiterated his resolve to deter Hezbollah’s presence near Israel’s border. During his visit, he outlined Israel’s objectives to “push Hezbollah beyond the Litani River, prevent rearmament, and respond decisively to aggression.” This marked the second round of escalated activity since Israel’s September 23 strikes, when it began extensive cross-border air raids.

Hezbollah, a political and militant group supported by Iran, has been involved in ongoing confrontations with Israel since 2022, frequently exchanging fire across the Israel-Lebanon border. Over the past month, tensions have escalated with over 100 rockets launched from Lebanon into Israel. Israeli military reports state that their air defense systems intercepted many of these projectiles, while others landed in unpopulated zones. The heightened activity on the Lebanese border reflects deepening ties between Hezbollah and Hamas, both backed by Iran. Since October 7, Hezbollah has signaled its support for Hamas by escalating attacks against Israeli positions, claiming alignment with Hamas’ broader resistance against Israel.

Strikes on Sidon and Southern Lebanon

Israel’s recent air campaign reached densely populated areas near Sidon, including Haret Saida and Ghaziyeh, where strikes resulted in significant casualties. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported three fatalities and multiple injuries in Haret Saida alone, as buildings were reduced to rubble. An Israeli airstrike near Tebnine Hospital in Bint Jbeil also caused severe structural damage, injuring seven people. This comes as Hezbollah continues to launch retaliatory strikes, framing its involvement as a commitment to support Palestinian resistance.

Israel issued specific warnings ahead of some attacks, such as in Baalbek, known as a Hezbollah stronghold. Following warnings, residents witnessed at least three airstrikes. Israel maintains that its current operations aim to dismantle Hezbollah’s supply lines and prevent further hostilities on its borders. Yet the lack of forewarning for strikes in populated areas has raised concerns about humanitarian impacts, with reports indicating casualties, including children.

Rising Death Toll and Humanitarian Crisis

The ongoing violence has inflicted significant casualties. In Lebanon, more than 1,940 lives have been lost since Israel expanded its campaign in September. The relentless airstrikes, combined with Hezbollah’s rocket fire, have displaced families in affected areas, straining Lebanon’s already fragile infrastructure. Israeli reports indicate that 38 of its soldiers have lost their lives since the ground operations began.

Israel’s ongoing response to perceived threats from Iran and its affiliates, including Hezbollah, has heightened the risk of regional escalation. Recently, both Israel and Iran have engaged directly in confrontations, further stoking fears of a broader conflict. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian hinted that a ceasefire involving Iran’s allies, Hamas and Hezbollah, could potentially mitigate future Iranian responses. Nonetheless, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Israel and the U.S. of a “tooth-breaking response,” signaling an uncompromising stance amid mounting pressures.

The United States has also bolstered its presence in the region by deploying B-52 bombers, underscoring its warning to Iran and signaling military preparedness. This positioning comes amidst U.S. concerns about the escalation and potential for a wider regional conflict.

Gaza: Intensified Attacks and Civilian Casualties

While Israel’s northern operations focus on Hezbollah, Gaza remains a major front in the conflict. Israel’s military has ramped up its offensive in northern Gaza’s Jabalia district, targeting Hamas infrastructure and reportedly neutralizing scores of militants. As the bombardment continues, Gaza’s health ministry reports that over 30 civilians have been killed in airstrikes, primarily in Beit Lahia and Jabalia. Medical responders face mounting challenges as strikes have overwhelmed hospitals and emergency services.

Amid the devastation, international aid agencies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), continue to deliver essential supplies. Thousands gathered in central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah region to receive food aid, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian support in a besieged territory. Yet, Israel’s recent decision to prohibit UNRWA from operating within Israel and occupied East Jerusalem has drawn international criticism. The move could further disrupt aid efforts, with potential repercussions for UNRWA’s operations in Gaza and East Jerusalem.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is compounded by last week’s U.S. warning to Israel. Washington advised Israel that continued military support could be contingent on ensuring aid access within Gaza, signaling diplomatic pressure on Israel to alleviate Gaza’s plight. However, Sunday’s renewed bombardment has only intensified calls for ceasefire discussions and humanitarian intervention.

Root Causes and Prospects for De-Escalation

The Israel-Hezbollah conflict traces back decades, rooted in historical grievances and territorial disputes, and exacerbated by contemporary alliances and rivalries. Hezbollah has long criticized Israel’s military actions against Palestinians, aligning itself with Hamas and other resistance movements. Hezbollah’s engagement in the conflict also stems from its strategic alignment with Iran, which views support for Hezbollah and Hamas as countering Israeli influence in the Middle East.

However, the recent escalation risks sparking a regional conflict involving multiple state and non-state actors. Iran’s influence over Hezbollah and Hamas is central to this dynamic, positioning the conflict within broader Middle Eastern rivalries. Any sustainable solution will likely require multilateral efforts addressing the root causes of the Israel-Palestine conflict and broader geopolitical tensions.

In the near term, international calls for a ceasefire are intensifying. The involvement of U.S. forces, represented by the recent deployment of B-52 bombers, reflects a potential deterrent to further Iranian involvement. American diplomatic efforts are also focusing on balancing military support for Israel with humanitarian considerations for Gaza, adding a layer of complexity to potential ceasefire negotiations.

Yet, Israel’s stance remains resolute. Netanyahu’s insistence on neutralizing Hezbollah reflects Israel’s long-standing security concerns regarding Lebanon’s southern border. Without a diplomatic breakthrough, the likelihood of continued hostilities appears high, as both sides prepare for further escalation.

Conclusion: Urgent Need for International Intervention

The ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict and the broader Israel-Gaza war reveal the fragile balance in a region beset by competing interests and longstanding grievances. Civilians on both sides face dire conditions, with casualties mounting and infrastructure crumbling. The UN, along with influential states like the United States and regional players, is tasked with navigating a complex geopolitical landscape to bring about a ceasefire and avert further humanitarian crises.

As Netanyahu’s government pledges a hardline approach to regional security, international stakeholders must weigh their diplomatic influence to stabilize the situation and prevent an all-out regional war. A lasting peace will require a recalibration of strategies, with an emphasis on addressing the underlying causes of the Israel-Palestine conflict, along with a commitment from involved nations to uphold humanitarian principles and international law.