Since Israel stepped up its attacks on Hezbollah last week and over the weekend, talk of all-out war is buzzing. Hezbollah has launched more than 8,000 missiles, drones, and rockets at northern Israel since the Iran-backed Hamas terrorist group’s murderous assault on southern Israeli kibbutzim on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel has targeted Iran-sponsored Hezbollah leaders and stockpiles of munitions to persuade the Lebanon-based terrorist organization to stand down.
Hezbollah Continues Its Attacks on Israel
Following Israel’s latest airstrike on Hezbollah’s key leaders on Sep. 20, the terrorists launched 150 rockets into northern Israel. Hezbollah fighters have shown no signs of stopping the over-the-border rocket and missile attacks. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) has responded, as The Wall Street Journal reported:
“Dozens of warplanes struck southern Lebanon on Saturday night [Sept. 20] and into Sunday morning, Israel’s military said, in what it called a pre-emptive attack against rocket-launching positions earmarked for a broader attack on Sunday morning. Residents in the area said it was one of the heaviest bombardments of southern Lebanon that they could recall since the conflict began.”
With the increase in frequency and intensity of cross-border exchanges, many believe the stage seems set for a full-scale war in southern Lebanon. In an accompanying article, the WSJ explained, “With escalating attacks on Hezbollah’s rank and file, commanders and infrastructure, Israel is pressing its military and intelligence advantage to give the Lebanese group an implied ultimatum: make a deal to pull back from Israel’s northern border or go to war.” Reports of repositioning of IDF units from around Gaza in the south of Israel to locations near the border with Lebanon have been circulating for weeks.
Massive airstrikes continued against Hezbollah rocket-launching positions and munitions storage facilities on Monday (Sept. 23). “This is shaping up to be the deadliest day in Lebanon since Hezbollah started firing on Israel back on Oct. 8. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry new numbers just released at least 180 people have been killed, 727 injured,” Fox News’ Nate Foy reported from Israel. “Israel says it will expand its airstrikes to include the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon.”
Israel has started a campaign of public announcements to the people of southern Lebanon to get out of their homes and leave areas where Hezbollah has stored ammunition, rockets, and missiles. “Don’t let Hezbollah endanger your lives and the lives of your loved ones. Don’t let Hezbollah endanger Lebanon. Please, get out of harm’s way now,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned in a televised statement. He continued, “I have a message for the people of Lebanon: Israel’s war is not with you. It’s with Hezbollah … Once our operation is finished, you can come back safely to your homes.”
While Israeli leadership is encouraging Lebanese citizens to flee the danger zone, more than 62,000 Israelis have become refugees, displaced from their homes in northern Israel by Hezbollah rocket attacks. Pressure on the Israeli government is building to make the border area south of Lebanon safe for its citizens to return to their homes. Consequently, the IDF is pulling out all the stops to destroy Hezbollah’s capability to attack northern Israel. Additionally, a ground assault to stop the terrorist group’s persistent attacks is almost inevitable. The latest Hezbollah rocket attack reached as far south as Haifa.
The US response to increased hostilities between Israel and Lebanon has been minimal. During a Sept. 23 press briefing, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder said, “No significant announcements to make. I will say, in light of increased tension in the Middle East and out of an abundance of caution, we are sending a small number of additional US military personnel forward to augment our forces that are already in the region.” Odd that Ryder should believe that such an announcement did not qualify as “significant.”
Biden-Harris Fear Making Things Worse
A recent report from the Associated Press is consistent with Ryder’s demeanor: “The Biden administration is taking a more hands-off approach than usual during a week of dramatic escalation between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, with top US officials holding back from full-on crisis diplomacy for fear of making matters worse.” Just take a moment to process that statement. The most powerful nation in history cannot find a way to deal with an ally’s problem thwarting a terrorist organization. More amazing is that the White House believes its involvement could make things worse. But perhaps this administration is correct.
As far as the US State Department is concerned, it is being proactive. In a Sept. 21 travel advisory, the Bureau of Consular Affairs posted a Level 4, Do Not Travel, “Due to the unpredictable nature of the ongoing conflict between Hizballah and Israel and recent explosions throughout Lebanon, including Beirut, the US Embassy urges US citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial options still remain available.” The warning tells Americans who want to stay to “be prepared to shelter in place.”
Regardless, Israel is resolute in defending itself. If the last few weeks signal what is to come, Hezbollah will not fare well. Israel will not reduce the pressure on the terrorist group until it is no longer a threat.
The views expressed are those of the author and not of any other affiliate.
