On August 25, Israel carried out a pre-emptive strike on Lebanon, claiming it was in response to a planned large-scale attack by Hezbollah. Despite Israel’s massive assault, Hezbollah retaliated with over 300 rockets and drones targeting Israel, resulting in casualties on both sides.

Escalation of Conflict: Gaza and Beyond

• The war’s epicenter remains Gaza, where Israel’s relentless bombardment has led to massive casualties, with over 40,000 Palestinians killed. This conflict was triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza aims to dismantle Hamas, but the war’s spread to Lebanon indicates that the conflict is not confined to one region. 
• Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese Shia militia, has launched numerous attacks on Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. These attacks have turned northern Israel into a depopulated war zone, as Hezbollah continues its offensive despite Israel’s retaliatory strikes.

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Stance of USA and Hezbollah

• The United States has been actively involved in the conflict, supporting Israel’s war efforts through defense supplies and diplomatic backing. While the U.S. also mediates for a ceasefire, its support for Israel complicates the dynamics, as Hezbollah remains resolute in continuing its attacks as long as the Gaza conflict persists.
• The conflict shows no signs of de-escalating, with both Israel and Hezbollah unwilling to back down. Israel’s efforts to weaken Hezbollah by targeting its commanders have not deterred the group, and the ongoing war in Gaza continues to fuel tensions. The risk of a wider regional war remains high as the conflict drags on with no easy solutions in sight.

Conclusion

By destroying Hamas, Israel wanted to strengthen its security in the south, but the widening war has heightened its insecurity in the north. And Israel does not have any easy military solution for Hezbollah. As long as the war in Gaza continues, the path towards a wider regional war will remain open.