Biden and Netanyahu’s Call
US President Joe Biden held a highly anticipated call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly their first conversation in weeks. This dialogue comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly following Iran’s recent missile attack. The two leaders focused on Israel’s potential response to this aggression. The White House confirmed that Vice President Kamala Harris also participated in the call on Wednesday, although specific details regarding their discussion have yet to be released.
Israel’s Retaliatory Strategy
In light of the recent events, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that any retaliatory action against Iran will be « deadly, precise, and above all surprising. » This remark suggests that Israel’s response will be unexpected, catching its adversaries off guard. Gallant’s assurance highlights Israel’s commitment to addressing the threats it faces while navigating the complexities of regional dynamics.
Ongoing Conflict with Hezbollah
Meanwhile, fighting continues to rage between Hezbollah and Israel, with significant incidents reported in recent days. An Israeli airstrike on a Lebanese village near Sidon resulted in the deaths of four individuals. Additionally, in Kiryat Shmona, a couple walking their dog was tragically killed by Hezbollah rockets fired from Lebanon. These casualties mark the first Israeli civilian deaths since the cross-border conflict escalated dramatically 12 days ago.
Moreover, the Israeli port city of Haifa has also come under fire, injuring at least five people. In response to the ongoing hostilities, Israel has conducted over 1,100 airstrikes since its ground invasion of southern Lebanon began on September 30. The Israeli Air Force has utilized fighter jets, helicopters, and remotely piloted aircraft to target Hezbollah positions and has attacked approximately 300 targets in northern Gaza.
International Reactions and Humanitarian Concerns
Previously, Netanyahu vowed that Iran would « pay the price » for the recent missile barrage, which Tehran claims was retaliation for Israel’s invasion of Lebanon and high-profile assassinations of Hezbollah leaders. The US has defended Israel’s right to retaliate but appears to be attempting to limit its response to Iran to prevent further escalation.
As the conflict continues, the situation in Lebanon has grown increasingly dire. The Lebanese government reports that around 1.2 million people have fled their homes in the past year, with almost 180,000 now residing in approved centers for the displaced. Additionally, more than 400,000 individuals have sought refuge in war-torn Syria, including over 200,000 Syrian refugees. The head of the UN’s refugee agency described this scenario as one of “tragic absurdity.”
Hezbollah’s Resilience and Future Outlook
Despite suffering significant losses, including the deaths of its leader and several top military commanders, Hezbollah remains defiant. The group has asserted its confidence in its ability to resist Israeli aggression. Conversely, Israel’s government, which designates Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, has pledged to create conditions for the safe return of displaced residents near the Lebanese border after a year of cross-border fighting exacerbated by the war in Gaza.
In conclusion, hostilities have steadily escalated since Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel on October 8, 2023, just one day after the deadly attack by Hamas on southern Israel. As the situation develops, the international community remains watchful, hoping for a resolution to this prolonged conflict.
