By Nakiwala Barbra
Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have reached a new peak as Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon and the Beqaa region intensify. Israeli Army Chief Herzi Halevi has announced a series of “extensive” strikes, pushing the country closer to the brink of full-scale war.
The conflict, now in its most violent phase since October 8, has left 51 people dead and over 90,000 displaced in Lebanon, according to reports from the United Nations and Lebanon’s health ministry.
The mounting death toll, now in the hundreds, reflects the severe human cost of the escalating violence. Israel insists its targets are Hezbollah strongholds, yet civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. “We are preparing for the potential entry of ground troops into Lebanon to neutralize the Hezbollah threat,” Halevi warned, sparking widespread concern about a broader military incursion.
Hezbollah, the powerful Shia militia backed by Iran, has been engaged in heavy cross-border exchanges with Israeli forces, claiming they are resisting Israeli “aggression” and standing in solidarity with Palestinians.
The Israeli government views Hezbollah as a direct threat due to the group’s extensive missile arsenal. “Hezbollah’s military presence endangers Israel’s security, and we will take whatever measures necessary to defend our people,” Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid stated.
The conflict has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands of Lebanese civilians fleeing their homes in fear. The United Nations reports that over 90,000 individuals have been displaced since the beginning of the week, many seeking refuge in overcrowded schools, mosques, and other public buildings.
“We fled with nothing but the clothes on our backs,” says Amal, a mother of three from southern Lebanon, echoing the anguish of thousands of families uprooted by the violence. “We don’t know when we’ll be able to return.”
International outcry has grown louder, with calls for an immediate ceasefire. The United States, European Union, and Arab League have all urged both sides to show restraint and spare civilian lives.
However, with Israel receiving unwavering support from Washington and Hezbollah backed by Tehran, the conflict risks drawing in regional players, escalating tensions across the Middle East.
In a sobering reminder of the long-standing animosity between the two sides, the current escalation is the worst since their brutal 34-day war in 2006. Despite years of intermittent violence, the stakes have grown higher due to Hezbollah’s role in the Syrian civil war and its support for Palestinian militants, further inflaming Israel’s security concerns.
Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah, has shown no signs of backing down. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian affirmed, “Iran will continue to support Hezbollah against Israeli aggression.”
Meanwhile, the United States has stood firmly behind Israel, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterating that the U.S. “will continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself.”
The war’s humanitarian toll has been devastating. Aid agencies face significant challenges reaching conflict-affected areas, as the UN appeals for $150 million in emergency funding to address the mounting crisis. “The situation is catastrophic,” said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “We urge all parties to respect international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians.”
As airstrikes continue to pound southern Lebanon, fears of a regional conflict loom larger than ever. Diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire remain fragile, and with both sides entrenched in their positions, the chances of a peaceful resolution appear increasingly remote.
