Is Israel’s Airstrike on Hezbollah Pushing the Region Toward War?

The recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah has drawn global concern, particularly following Israel’s airstrike on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. These strikes have marked a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict, with diplomatic efforts struggling to de-escalate tensions. Here’s a breakdown of the events leading up to and following the most intense military strikes in recent years.

(Also read Lebanon Confirmed 100 Deaths And More Than 400 Injured from Israeli Strikes.)

Overnight Bombardment

In a major military operation, Israel’s airstrike on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon overnight targeted dozens of sites. According to a statement from the Israeli military, the strikes hit areas around Ayta al-Shab and Ramyeh, known to be strongholds of the Hezbollah militant group. Artillery and tanks supported the aerial assault, focusing on what Israel termed “terrorist targets” in these regions.

The strikes represented an escalation of the ongoing clashes, with both sides already engaged in a year of cross-border skirmishes. The strikes were Israel’s response to Hezbollah’s increasing attacks in support of Hamas, which began last October.

Fears of Escalation

Head of EU foreign policy Josep Borrell sent out a warning as Israel’s assault on Hezbollah grew more intense. He described the situation as “almost a full-fledged war,” noting the rising civilian casualties and the intense military operations on both sides. “This situation is extremely dangerous and worrying,” Borrell stated, urging for immediate international diplomatic intervention.

France became involved as well, requesting that the UN Security Council convene urgently. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot requested the meeting to discuss the Lebanese situation and urged all parties to avoid a regional conflict, which would have catastrophic consequences for civilians.

The Deadliest Day with High Civilian Casualties

Israel’s airstrike on Hezbollah marked Lebanon’s deadliest day in decades, with 492 reported deaths and more than 1,600 injuries. Tens of thousands of people fled their homes in southern Lebanon, seeking safety in Beirut as Israeli airstrikes continued to pound the region. The significant number of civilian deaths was highlighted by the inclusion of 35 children and 58 women among the deceased.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, after the end of the civil war in Lebanon in 1975–1990, the number of deaths per day has increased due to these attacks. The bombardment also displaced over 110,000 people from southern Lebanon.

International Response

The United States, closely monitoring the situation, voiced opposition to the escalation. A senior U.S. State Department official, speaking anonymously, expressed concern that Israel’s airstrike on Hezbollah would not lead to peace but would instead increase tensions. The Biden administration emphasised the need to “break the cycle of strike-counterstrike” and focus on reducing tensions through diplomatic channels.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with allies and partners at the UN General Assembly, discussing “concrete ideas” to prevent a broader conflict. The U.S. hopes to find an “off-ramp” from the ongoing violence, aiming to stabilise the region before further escalation occurs.

Israel’s Changing Tactics

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that Israel’s airstrike on Hezbollah was part of a broader strategy to alter the “security balance” in the northern border region. Netanyahu asserted that Israel was changing the power dynamics in the area, targeting Hezbollah’s military infrastructure built over the past two decades.

This view was also expressed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, who said that the armed forces were getting ready for the “next phases” of their campaign in Lebanon. More than 1,300 Hezbollah targets were hit in a 24-hour period, making it Israel’s largest assault on Hezbollah since last October.

Worsening Humanitarian Crisis

With Israel’s airstrike on Hezbollah showing no signs of letting up, the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon deepened. Thousands of civilians fled from southern towns and villages, heading toward the capital, Beirut. Displacement centres that were once considered safe were now under threat, particularly in the coastal city of Tyre.

A coordinator at a Tyre relocation center, Bilal Kashmar, declared, “The airstrikes have reached us.” Airstrikes struck just 100 metres from the centre, which housed hundreds of displaced families. Roads leading out of southern Lebanon were packed with civilians trying to escape the relentless bombing campaign.

Hezbollah’s Retaliation

Hezbollah responded to Israel’s airstrike on Hezbollah by launching approximately 35 rockets into Israel, targeting the Safed area. Most of these rockets landed in open spaces, but the ongoing exchange of fire raised fears of a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Complicating matters further, Hezbollah has pledged to carry out further strikes in support of Hamas, another militant organization supported by Iran. Israeli airstrikes have also continued, targeting areas in Beirut and the Beqaa Valley.

Final Thoughts

The possibility of a wider conflict continues to be a major concern for the world community as Israel’s bombardment against Hezbollah continues. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but the situation is precarious, with both sides showing little inclination to back down. Civilians are paying the highest price, as tens of thousands flee their homes, and the region braces for what could be an even bloodier conflict.

The coming days will determine whether diplomacy can bring a halt to the violence, or if Israel’s airstrike on Hezbollah will escalate into a full-blown war with far-reaching consequences for the entire Middle East.