Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Lebanon on Tuesday that it could face destruction similar to that seen in Gaza as Israel intensifies its ground offensive against Hezbollah along the southern Lebanese coast. In a video address directed to the Lebanese people, Netanyahu urged them to distance their country from Hezbollah to prevent a prolonged conflict that would result in significant destruction and suffering.
His warning came as the Israeli military increased troop deployments and advised civilians in coastal areas to evacuate. Hezbollah, in response, claimed to have fired rockets at the Israeli port city of Haifa, coinciding with the Israeli military’s reports of numerous projectiles launched from Lebanon.
The escalation of military operations in Lebanon marks nearly a year since Hezbollah began exchanging fire in support of Hamas, particularly after the group’s deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. As Israel continues to combat Hamas in Gaza, it aims to secure its northern border with Lebanon to allow the safe return of tens of thousands of Israelis displaced by Hezbollah’s attacks.
Both Hamas and Hezbollah have vowed to continue their opposition to Israel, with Hezbollah’s deputy leader stating that the group would make it difficult for Israelis to return to northern regions. Since the beginning of the intensified conflict on September 23, Israeli strikes on Hezbollah strongholds have resulted in significant casualties and mass displacements.