The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated amidst the ongoing war in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah have been exchanging fire across the Israel-Lebanon border since the surprise attack by Hamas in October. This conflict has become the deadliest and longest in Gaza to date, with no resolution in sight. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials have expressed readiness for a larger offensive into southern Lebanon.
Iran, a key ally of Hezbollah, has issued strong warnings against such an escalation. On Friday, the Iranian Mission to the United Nations declared that any major Israeli offensive could lead to a broader regional war, resulting in the destruction of both Lebanese and Israeli infrastructure. Iran emphasized that Hezbollah is capable of defending Lebanon and warned that Israel would be the ultimate loser in such a conflict.
An IDF spokesperson responded by stating that the IDF is prepared to defend Israel on all fronts against a diverse range of threats. Foreign Minister Israel Katz reiterated Israel’s readiness to confront Hezbollah and called for international support against what he described as the “axis of evil” led by Iran and extremist Islam.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has threatened severe retaliation if Israel initiates a war in Lebanon. He warned that Hezbollah would use rockets and drones to target Israeli infrastructure and issued a threat to Cyprus, alleging that Israel plans to use Cypriot airports and bases for military purposes. Nasrallah stated that if Cyprus is used to support Israeli military actions, it would be considered part of the conflict.
Cyprus dismissed Nasrallah’s threats, emphasizing its good relations with Lebanon. Nevertheless, the statement raised concerns about a larger regional war potentially involving Iran-aligned groups and the United States. Hezbollah has continued its operations against Israeli military targets since the Gaza war began on October 7, citing support for Palestinian groups. The violence has displaced tens of thousands in Lebanon and Israel and has escalated, particularly after an Israeli air raid killed a top Hezbollah commander.
The U.S. has urged a diplomatic resolution to the crisis while expressing concern over Hezbollah’s attacks. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the U.S. seeks to prevent an escalation of the conflict. Hezbollah, however, has vowed to continue its operations against the IDF until Israel ends its military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in over 37,000 Palestinian deaths.
