Hezbollah Declares ‘Open-Ended Battle of Reckoning’ with Israel: Inside the Escalating Conflict”
By News 24 media Middle East Desk
Date: September 23, 2024
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Hezbollah has declared an “open-ended battle of reckoning” with Israel, launching over 100 rockets into northern Israel. This marks a significant intensification in the long-standing conflict between the two entities, with both sides appearing closer than ever to all-out war.
Recent Escalation
On Sunday, Hezbollah fired more than 100 rockets across northern Israel, with some reaching as far as the city of Haifa. This barrage was a direct response to a series of Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, which have resulted in significant casualties, including the death of senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil. The rocket attacks have caused injuries and damage in Israel, with air raid sirens sending residents scrambling for shelter.
Historical Background and Rising Tensions
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel dates back to the early 1980s, following Israel’s invasion of Lebanon. Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group backed by Iran, was formed to resist Israeli occupation. Over the decades, the two sides have engaged in numerous skirmishes and wars, most notably the 2006 Lebanon War, which resulted in heavy casualties and widespread destruction.
Recent months have seen a sharp increase in hostilities. Key incidents leading to the current escalation include:
- Israeli Airstrikes: Israel has conducted multiple airstrikes in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions and infrastructure. A recent strike in Beirut killed at least 45 people, including Akil.
- Hezbollah’s Retaliation: In response to these strikes, Hezbollah has intensified its rocket attacks on Israel, targeting deeper and broader areas in the north.
- Communications Attack: An unprecedented attack on Hezbollah’s communications devices, causing thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies to explode, has further inflamed tensions.
Reactions from Both Sides
Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Kassem, has vowed continued retaliation, stating, “We admit that we are pained. We are humans. But as we are pained – you will also be pained”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will take all necessary actions to restore security in the north, emphasizing that no country can accept the wanton rocketing of its cities.
Regional and Global Implications
The escalation has significant regional and global implications. Neighbouring countries, particularly Lebanon and Syria, are on high alert, fearing spillover effects. Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah, has expressed strong support for the group, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts.
International organizations, including the United Nations, have called for restraint and dialogue. The U.S. has been involved in extensive diplomacy, hoping to de-escalate the situation.
Expert Analysis
Experts warn that the conflict’s trajectory could lead to a broader regional war, with devastating consequences for stability in the Middle East. Sami Zoughaib, a research manager at The Policy Initiative, notes that Lebanon’s economic vulnerability makes it a perfect target for Israeli aggression. He emphasizes that the current escalation comes at a particularly bad moment for Lebanon, which has been grappling with a deep crisis since 2019.
Potential Outcomes
The potential outcomes of this conflict are varied:
- Continued Escalation: If both sides continue their aggressive actions, the region could see a full-scale war, leading to significant casualties and displacement.
- Diplomatic Resolution: International pressure and diplomacy could lead to a ceasefire and negotiations, though this remains uncertain given the deep-seated animosities.
- Stalemate: The conflict could settle into a prolonged period of low-intensity skirmishes, with neither side achieving a decisive victory.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution to bring lasting peace to a region long plagued by conflict.
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