Israel’s military says it has “approved and validated” operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon as months of fighting with Hezbollah, the Arab world’s most significant paramilitary force, threaten to spiral into a full-blown war. The military statement did not promise an imminent Israeli offensive in Lebanon — any plans must still be vetted by Israel’s leaders. But it appeared to indicated that after months of tit-for-tat fighting, the army is preparing to take tougher action. The military did not specify what the plans entailed.
Quick Read
Israel’s Military Finalizes Plans for War Against Hezbollah in Lebanon
- Operational Plans: Israel’s military has “approved and validated” plans for an offensive in Lebanon, indicating preparations for potential tougher action against Hezbollah.
- Current Status: While the plans are finalized, they still require approval from Israeli leaders, and there is no promise of an imminent offensive.
- Diplomatic Efforts: The U.S. is working to broker a diplomatic solution to prevent a major escalation. Senior advisor Amos Hochstein is meeting with officials in Beirut to quell tensions.
- Conflict Background: Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging fire almost daily since the Israel-Hamas war started in October, leading to significant casualties on both sides.
- Casualties: Israeli strikes have killed over 400 people in Lebanon, including 70 civilians, while 16 Israeli soldiers and 10 civilians have been killed.
- Historical Context: The 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah ended in a stalemate, with substantial destruction in southern Lebanon and Beirut.
The Associated Press has the story:
Israel’s military finalizes plans for a war against Hezbollah in Lebanon
Newslooks- JERUSALEM —
Israel’s military says it has “approved and validated” operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon as months of fighting with Hezbollah, the Arab world’s most significant paramilitary force, threaten to spiral into a full-blown war.
The military statement did not promise an imminent Israeli offensive in Lebanon — any plans must still be vetted by Israel’s leaders. But it appeared to indicated that after months of tit-for-tat fighting, the army is preparing to take tougher action. The military did not specify what the plans entailed.
It came as the U.S. attempts to broker a diplomatic solution to the cross-border conflict and avert a major escalation. Amos Hochstein, a senior advisor to U.S. President Joe Biden, was meeting with officials in Beirut Tuesday in an attempt to quell tensions. A war between the two heavily-armed foes could be devastating to both countries and incur mass civilian casualties. Hezbollah’s rocket arsenal is believed to be far more extensive than Hamas’s.
Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah have exchanged fire across the border almost daily since the Israel-Hamas war broke out in October. Last week, the militant group launched hundreds of drones and rockets at Israel and Israel retaliated with heavy strikes on Hezbollah targets. Israeli strikes have killed more than 400 people in Lebanon, including 70 civilians. On Israel’s side, 16 soldiers and 10 civilians have been killed.
Hezbollah and Israel fought a monthlong war in 2006 that ended in a tense stalemate. Israel flattened large parts of villages, towns and cities in southern Lebanon and entire blocks in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Gaza at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
