Israel Intensifies Offensive Against Hezbollah, Warning of Destruction "Similar to What Is Observed in Gaza"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stark warning to the people of Lebanon, suggesting they could face a "long war" as Israel intensifies its military operations against Hezbollah. In a video address on Tuesday, he stated that all communities in Lebanon, including Christians, Druze, and Muslims, are suffering due to what he termed Hezbollah’s "futile war in Israel." He urged the Lebanese people to take action to save their country from falling into chaos, drawing parallels to the devastation currently seen in Gaza.

The United Nations has reported that Lebanon is experiencing similar military tactics as those used by Israel in Gaza, leading to fears of mass displacement amid the ongoing conflict. Israel's military campaign in Gaza has resulted in widespread destruction, with reports of over 41,900 casualties and around 1.9 million people—nearly 90% of Gaza’s population—displaced from their homes.

Recent updates from the region include:

Hezbollah's Position on Ceasefire: For the first time, Hezbollah has expressed support for a ceasefire in Lebanon, as stated by deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem. This endorsement is significant as it is not linked to halting the conflict in Gaza.

Postponement of US Visit: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has delayed his planned trip to the United States at Netanyahu's request. The postponement is partly due to the prime minister wanting the cabinet to discuss Israel’s potential response to Iran. Gallant, who has had a tense relationship with Netanyahu regarding Gaza strategies, was set to meet with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Israeli Flag Raised in Lebanon: A video has emerged showing Israeli forces raising their flag on the ruins of Iran Garden, located near the Lebanese village of Maroun Al-Ras. It remains uncertain when the flag was planted, but satellite images indicate Israeli military vehicles nearby, close to a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) base.

Destruction in Beirut: Israeli airstrikes targeting the Dahiyeh area of southern Beirut caused extensive damage, including the collapse of four residential buildings in Burj Al-Barajneh.

Uncertainty Surrounding Hezbollah Leadership: There is confusion regarding the fate of Hashem Safieddine, a potential successor to the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Netanyahu claimed that Israeli forces had "eliminated" Safieddine, but the military is still verifying whether a recent strike on Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters in Beirut resulted in his death.

Evacuation in Northern Gaza: Reports indicate that Palestinians attempting to evacuate from areas affected by Israel's renewed military operations in northern Gaza are being shot at. The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last functioning hospital in the region.

Attack in Syria: An Israeli strike on a residential building in Damascus on Tuesday resulted in at least seven fatalities and 11 injuries, as reported by Syrian state media. The targeted building is located near several diplomatic facilities, though the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not commented on the incident.

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