The confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah has heated up recently, particularly since events began on October 7, 2023. Initially, tensions heightened when Hezbollah launched ballistic missiles into Israel in response to Hamas’ invasion on Gaza. Both sides traded fire cautiously, hoping to avoid a full-scale conflict. However, the situation worsened rapidly after Israel carried out an airstrike in Beirut on July 31, killing Fuad Shukr, a prominent Hezbollah commander.

In response, Israel expanded its airstrikes, particularly in southern Lebanon, a Hezbollah stronghold. This resulted in Hezbollah firing hundreds of rockets into Israel, displacing approximately 70,000 Israelis. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one of the goals of the ongoing military action is to allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in the north.

A recent round of airstrikes in Lebanon caused enormous civilian casualties—at least 575 people, including women and children, died in just two days—as the conflict continued to intensify. In response, Hezbollah fired missiles, one of which was a ballistic missile directed towards Tel Aviv.

The crisis has taken a hazardous turn, prompting fears of an Israeli ground invasion. The historical background indicates that previous Israeli invasions of Lebanon, which were designed to drive out Palestinian factions, frequently had unforeseen repercussions, one of which was the strengthening of Hezbollah. Opponents contend that the international community’s widespread appeal for a ceasefire in Gaza may have contributed to a reduction in tensions along the border and helped avert additional violence. The more the circumstances develop, the possibility of a more widespread war remains a significant concern.