The possibility of a ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah appears more distant than ever, as tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border continue to escalate.
Israel intensified its bombardment in Lebanon on Saturday, focusing heavily on Beirut’s southern suburbs, which serve as a stronghold for Hezbollah, and for the first time targeting the Beddawi Palestinian refugee camp near Tripoli in northern Lebanon.
Following a barrage of over 200 ballistic missiles launched by Iran, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for a significant retaliatory strike. The military has confirmed that the attack from Iran targeted several locations in Israel, though many were intercepted by Israel’s advanced defense systems.
In a move signaling heightened tensions in the Middle East, the U.S. has deployed additional troops and aircraft to the region. With Israeli ground operations underway in southern Lebanon and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has issued a stern warning to Iran against any attacks on Israel. The situation marks a critical escalation in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, with potential wider regional implications.
In a significant escalation, Israeli forces have launched a ground operation in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions. This marks the first ground combat between Israel and Hezbollah since 2006, and it comes amid growing tensions in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to neutralize Hezbollah’s threat as part of Israel’s broader military campaign.