Escalation in South Lebanon: Conflict Between Israel and Hezbollah Intensifies
South Lebanon has experienced intensified Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah, with significant military operations occurring after a withdrawal deadline. Hezbollah has opted for military silence, shifting responsibility to the Lebanese government, which raises questions about accountability and public response, as stated by MP Hussein Hajj Hassan and analyst Riad Kahwaji.
Recent developments in South Lebanon reflect a significant escalation in Israeli strikes following the expiration of the Feb. 18 withdrawal deadline. An airstrike on Saturday targeted a vehicle, resulting in one fatality and another injury. Avichay Adraee, spokesperson for the Israeli military, announced that an Israeli Air Force drone attacked a Hezbollah operative engaged in reconstructing terrorist infrastructure in the region. He affirmed Israel’s commitment to neutralizing threats from Hezbollah.
Israeli warplanes conducted extensive operations over regions such as Nabatieh and Iqlim al-Tuffah, with Lebanon’s National News Agency reporting over 20 heavy airstrikes on southern towns late Friday. The Israeli military confirmed direct attacks on Hezbollah military positions, claiming to have identified relevant weapons storage and rocket launching sites deemed threatening to Israel.
In stark contrast to the military actions, Hezbollah has remained notably silent and has shifted accountability onto the Lebanese government. This sentiment was echoed by MP Hussein Hajj Hassan, who reiterated the necessity for the government to respond to public inquiries regarding the situation. Riad Kahwaji, from the Middle East and Gulf Military Analysis Center, suggested that Hezbollah’s strategy aims to mitigate criticism from its supporters by attributing reconstruction responsibilities to the state.
The situation in South Lebanon has intensified with Israeli military actions targeting Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure. While Israel seeks to eliminate perceived threats, Hezbollah has refrained from direct military engagement, instead placing responsibility on the Lebanese state. This dynamic raises questions about accountability, public response, and the broader implications for Lebanese governance amid escalating tensions with Israel.
Original Source: english.aawsat.com
