Israel’s Air Strikes Lead to Deadliest Day in Lebanon Since 2006
Monday marked the bloodiest day in Lebanon since the 2006 war with Israel, as Israeli air strikes reportedly killed 492 people, according to the Lebanese government. The situation is rapidly escalating, with Israel warning of more attacks to come. The Israeli military has urged civilians to evacuate areas targeted for airstrikes, specifically indicating that the next focus will be the Bekaa Valley, a known Hezbollah stronghold.
Before this escalation, over 100,000 Lebanese had already been displaced due to ongoing Israeli strikes, with no clear timeline for their return. Observers note that Israel seems to believe Hezbollah is in a weakened state, prompting a strategic offensive aimed at inflicting significant damage on the group and altering the balance of power along the Israel-Lebanon border.
The current conflict began following the Hamas attacks on October 7 last year, leading Hezbollah to initiate a continuous campaign of rocket fire into Israel. In response, around 60,000 Israelis have evacuated to central parts of the country. One of Israel’s war aims is to enable these citizens to return to their homes safely.
Internationally, there is a strong belief that a ceasefire in Gaza is essential to de-escalate the situation. Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has stated that attacks on Israel will persist until a ceasefire in Gaza is achieved. However, neither Nasrallah nor Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears willing to accept the proposed deal from the U.S.
While the Israeli public largely supports the war effort, Netanyahu remains a controversial figure, facing significant unpopularity despite a recent uptick in poll ratings. Critics within Israel view him as an ineffective leader who has neglected hostages in Gaza. Nevertheless, his coalition in parliament bolsters his political security.
The potential for retaliation from Hezbollah remains high, as the group still possesses considerable military capabilities. As tensions rise, both allies and adversaries of Israel are bracing for further developments in this volatile situation.
