Tensions continue to rise on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, and there are reports of Israel’s war cabinet discussing a full-scale war against Lebanon.
Hezbollah and Israel have been fighting almost daily since October, with nearly constant Israeli airstrikes against southern Lebanon. The US and France have been trying to negotiate a settlement to see the attacks stopped by both sides and Hezbollah moved back from the Litani River.
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir doesn’t want to wait for a deal. Visiting the north today to inspect the damage from rocket fire, Ben Gvir insisted that Israel’s military duty now is to “destroy Hezbollah.”
Britain recently warned Lebanon of the likelihood of an imminent Israeli attack, in mid-June, and the start of a war “whose geographic expansion and duration will not be known.”
Qatar also spoke up, expressing concern about Israel’s intentions toward Lebanon, saying it does not believe Israel wants a ceasefire. Following Ben Gvir’s comments, this seems a realistic take on the situation, at least given the current government.
While a mid-June date is not far away, it should be remembered that Israel mentioned numerous deadlines for launching the war in winter and spring. The US has repeatedly warned Israel that launching a concurrent war in Lebanon, in tandem with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, would stretch Israel’s resources too far.
Israeli officials dismissed the idea they’d be stretched thin by multiple full-scale wars on their border, and military officials have repeatedly expressed readiness for the conflict.
