Israel seeks to impact Hezbollah without escalating into a full-scale Middle Eastern conflict, according to statements from Israeli officials following a deadly rocket strike. This strike, which killed 12 children and teenagers in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, has heightened tensions.
In response, Israel is preparing for potential short-term fighting. However, Hezbollah has denied involvement in the incident. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of “serious consequences” for Israel if it attacks Lebanon, a sentiment shared during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after visiting Majdal Shams, the site of the attack, declared: “The state of Israel will not and cannot let this pass. Our response will come, and it will be harsh.” Despite this, Israeli officials have emphasized that a response leading to an all-out war is not in their interest.
An Israeli drone strike in south Lebanon killed two Hezbollah fighters and three others, including an infant, marking the first fatalities in Lebanon since the initial incident. Additionally, the Israeli military reported downing a drone that crossed from Lebanon into Western Galilee.
Limited but Significant Response Planned
Israel’s security cabinet has granted Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant the authority to determine the nature and timing of a response. Gallant held Hezbollah responsible for the rocket strike, describing them as an “Iranian proxy.” According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel’s response may include targeting infrastructure, arms depots, or Hezbollah commanders.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have reached their highest point since their 2006 war, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Hezbollah has aligned with Hamas, attacking Israel in support of Palestinians, and has stated it will cease fire only when Israel stops its Gaza offensive. This cross-border conflict has displaced tens of thousands on both sides.
Diplomatic Efforts and International Reactions
Washington has supported Israel’s right to respond while urging de-escalation. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of preventing further escalation in a phone call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Discussions continue to seek a diplomatic resolution and allow displaced people to return home. White House spokesman John Kirby stated that the incident should not hinder negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The U.N. peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon has increased efforts to reduce tensions, with spokesperson Andrea Tenenti stressing the potential for a diplomatic solution despite the risk of miscalculation leading to wider conflict. Meanwhile, flights at Beirut’s international airport have been disrupted, and Royal Jordanian has suspended its services to Beirut.
Hezbollah continues to deny firing the rocket that killed the children, claiming it targeted a military site in the Golan. Israel, which seized the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967 and later annexed it, has seen significant casualties from the ongoing hostilities. Israeli strikes have resulted in around 350 Hezbollah fighters and over 100 civilian deaths in Lebanon, while Hezbollah attacks have killed 23 Israeli civilians and at least 17 soldiers since October.
Seeking Stability Amid Rising Tensions
The recent escalation in the Israeli-Lebanese conflict underscores the delicate balance between retaliation and all-out war. While Israel prepares a significant response, efforts from international and regional actors continue to seek a diplomatic solution to prevent further escalation and return stability to the region.
