War echoes in Lebanon as Israel to open new front
Israeli soldiers stand near to a tank near Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel, October 16, 2023. (Reuters Photo)
Israel is on the brink of opening a new front in its ongoing conflict, this time with Lebanon, as tensions with Hezbollah further escalated on Sunday with Israel sending tanks to the Lebanon border.
According to various reports, Hezbollah has started withdrawing from its positions in southern and eastern Lebanon following threats of retaliation. A Hezbollah source indicated that this move comes in response to a recent escalation in hostilities.
In a statement, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said, “If Israel halts its attacks, Hezbollah is prepared to withdraw beyond the Litani River.” This potential de-escalation comes amid a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting Lebanon.
Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon
On Sunday morning, Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes on four towns along the Lebanese border. The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli drones and warplanes targeted Yaroun, Khiam, and Shihin, with Shihin experiencing two consecutive strikes on the same building, necessitating the dispatch of ambulance teams. No casualty reports have been released.
The Israeli military has submitted response scenarios to the government following a Hezbollah attack on the Golan Heights. An anonymous Israeli official stated, “We want to damage Hezbollah but avoid triggering a full-scale regional war.” Meanwhile, social media footage has emerged showing Israeli tanks being deployed to the border.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the security cabinet to discuss the situation. According to state television KAN, the meeting focused on Israel’s response to Hezbollah’s actions.
Erdogan threatens Israel
The same day, President Erdogan has openly warned that Türkiye could intervene in Israel just like it did in Karabakh and Libya, saying:
“We could do the same to them (Israel) as we did in Karabakh and Libya. There is nothing stopping us from taking these steps, provided we are strong enough.”
International Reactions and Evacuations
In the international arena, Saudi Arabia, France, Norway, and Sweden have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible, according to Al Monitor.
Additionally, Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lebanon’s national carrier, announced the suspension of some flights to Beirut until Monday morning. The NNA relayed this announcement, noting that flights are expected to resume on July 29.
Military Preparations and UN Warnings
In response to the recent Golan Heights attack, the Israeli military is preparing for potential escalation. Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi stated that the military is ready to “take preparations to the next level,” indicating a potential new phase in the conflict in the north.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon have warned that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could lead to a broader and more catastrophic regional confrontation. This comes after a rocket attack on Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals.
Casualties continue to rise in Gaza, with the Palestinian Health Ministry reporting 66 deaths and 241 injuries from three Israeli attacks within the past 24 hours. Since Oct 7. Israeli strikes have resulted in 39,324 deaths and 90,830 injuries among Palestinians.
Condemnations and Warnings
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein condemned the Hezbollah attack, alleging that an Iranian rocket was used. Marmorstein emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense and called for Hezbollah to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He warned that global intervention is crucial to prevent a full-scale war that would devastate Lebanon.
Prime Minister Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, stating that Hezbollah would face severe consequences for the attack. “Israel will not ignore this deadly assault,” he declared.
Iran, in turn, warned Israel against further provocations. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani stated that any reckless actions by Israel could lead to increased instability and conflict in the region. Kanaani urged the United States to restrain Israel to avoid igniting a new crisis.
As tensions mount, Israel has also targeted locations in southern Lebanon, including Hiyam, Kfarkilla, Teyrharfa, and Burj El-Shimali near the city of Tyre. The extent of casualties from these strikes remains unclear.
The Lebanese government condemned the attack on Majdal Shams, calling it a violation of international law and humanitarian principles. They urged an immediate cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces have conducted four raids on the Balata refugee camp in the past 24 hours, intensifying the conflict further. Social media footage shows Israeli military reinforcements and heavy gunfire in the area.
