In a stark appeal to the Lebanese people, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged them to reject Hezbollah, warning that failure to do so could lead to “destruction and suffering like we see in Gaza.”
This plea comes as Israel intensifies its military operations against Hezbollah, deploying thousands of additional troops into southern Lebanon.
On Tuesday, the Israeli military announced that it had killed 50 Hezbollah members in airstrikes, escalating the conflict that has seen significant casualties on both sides. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that Israeli attacks over the past 24 hours have resulted in 36 deaths and injured 150 others, highlighting the devastating toll of the ongoing hostilities.
In a video address, Netanyahu said, “You have an opportunity to save Lebanon before it falls into the abyss of a long war that will lead to destruction and suffering like we see in Gaza. Free your country from Hezbollah so that this war can end.” He claimed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had killed Hashem Safieddine, the suspected successor to former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, although the IDF later stated it could not confirm this.
Despite enduring weeks of heavy bombardment, Hezbollah has maintained its defiance. Naim Qassem, a senior Hezbollah official, asserted that the group had absorbed recent losses and its military capabilities remained intact. “We are hurting them and we will prolong the time,” he declared, referencing the group’s ongoing rocket attacks on northern Israel.
The current escalation began on October 8, 2023, following Hezbollah’s response to Hamas’s attack on southern Israel. Israeli forces have now mobilized over 15,000 troops in southern Lebanon, targeting what they describe as Hezbollah strongholds. Recent operations have included securing a Hezbollah “combat compound” in Maroun al-Ras, along with airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is rapidly deteriorating, with the UN special coordinator for Lebanon warning of a “catastrophic” impact from the conflict. The Lebanese government estimates that around 1.2 million people have been displaced due to the violence, with many fleeing to war-torn Syria. The World Food Programme has expressed serious concerns about Lebanon’s ability to feed its population, citing widespread destruction of farmland.
As Hezbollah continues to launch rockets towards Israeli cities, including a recent barrage targeting Haifa that injured 12 people, the conflict shows no signs of abating. Qassem’s recent comments also suggest a potential shift in Hezbollah’s position, as he expressed support for diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire.
The situation remains fluid, and both sides appear poised for continued confrontation as they navigate this increasingly complex conflict.
Chioma Kalu
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