Netanyahu states Israel is ‘prepared for a very intense operation’ near Lebanon

On June 6, 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is “prepared for a very intense operation along its border with Lebanon near the Lebanese border where Israeli troops have exchanged near-daily fire with Hezbollah fighters for almost eight months.

In recent weeks, the Israel-Lebanon border has seen a significant uptick in hostilities and the fighting between Israel and the Lebanese armed group, a Hamas ally, has intensified over the past week and has increased its rocket attacks into northern Israel, raising concerns that an even broader conflict could break out between the heavily armed adversaries escalating fears among residents of northern Israel. 

Netanyahu emphasized that the escalation necessitates a firm response to ensure the safety and security of Israeli citizens, raising concerns that an even broader conflict could break out between the heavily armed adversaries.

Hezbollah, after some time, admitted that it launched several attacks on Israeli positions during the day’s strike on an Iron Dome platform in the Ramot Naftali barracks. 

Netanyahu’s message was clear that Israel is ready to escalate its military actions if Hezbollah continues its provocations one way or another, we will restore security to the north,” Netanyahu said during a visit to the border area.

Israeli media outlets reported that a Hezbollah drone attack on the northern town of Hurfeish on Wednesday injured at least ten people, one critically. In response, Netanyahu said our first responsibility is protecting our citizens and sovereignty. We will not tolerate continued aggression from Hezbollah.

In past weeks, Israel has ramped up its targeting of Hezbollah members and allied Palestinian and Lebanese fighters in cars and on motorbikes in Lebanon, as well as regional actors such as Iran, which supports Hezbollah, and other neighboring countries could be drawn into the conflict, increasing the risk of a broader regional war.

The Israeli attacks have killed about 300 members of Hezbollah since October 7 and about 80 civilians. After this news, the UN Secretary-General urged Israel and Hezbollah to avoid actions that could lead to a broader regional conflict, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.

The United Nations and several countries, including the United States and members of the European Union, have called for restraint from both sides because the hostilities have been the worst between Israel and Hezbollah since they went to war in 2006. Thousands of people on both sides of the border have been forced to leave their homes.

Netanyahu’s statement has sparked concern internationally. From his point of view, the United Nations and several countries, even though it is in nobody’s interest to see a wider escalation, have shown that many actors are no longer rational. The United States and members of the European Union have called for restraint from both sides by emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts. 

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s declaration of readiness for a “very intense operation” near the Lebanese border underscores the gravity of the current security situation. One of the researchers said emotions are running extremely high, and any miscalculation could lead to a broader conflagration.”