New York: As tensions surge in the Middle East, Israel is gearing up for a potential ground invasion of Lebanon, following a series of escalating attacks between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants. This development comes as the U.S. and France presented a 21-day ceasefire proposal to the United Nations Security Council, aiming to de-escalate the conflict and create space for further diplomatic negotiations.
The Israeli Army has instructed its soldiers to prepare for a possible offensive in Lebanon after Hezbollah, the militant group based there, launched its largest attack on Israel yet. The strikes were in retaliation to Israel’s recent airstrikes that claimed over 550 lives in Lebanon, according to a report by the Associated Press. The situation threatens to further intensify an already volatile region, with Hezbollah and Israel engaged in near-daily skirmishes.
The war in Gaza, already devastating, is poised to escalate as Hezbollah ramped up its missile attacks, including a strike aimed at Tel Aviv. This is the deepest attack by the group since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict on October 7 last year. Israel responded with intense airstrikes targeting Hezbollah’s weapon depots across southern and eastern Lebanon. The Israeli military claims these operations are a prelude to a possible ground invasion, with the aim of crippling Hezbollah’s infrastructure.
Daily hostilities along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon have created an atmosphere of constant tension. Hezbollah, standing in solidarity with Palestinians suffering under Israeli military operations in Gaza, has maintained a steady barrage of attacks. Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi addressed troops stationed near the northern border, stating that the airstrikes were intended to pave the way for ground operations if needed. “Hezbollah has expanded its range of fire, and they will face a very strong response. Prepare yourselves,” he warned.
Despite earlier denials, recent statements from the Israeli military signal that a ground invasion may indeed be on the horizon. Meanwhile, the U.S. and France are urging restraint. At the U.N. Security Council, the U.S. has been working with international partners to propose a temporary ceasefire to cool tensions and allow residents on both sides of the border to return home.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the urgent need for both sides to pull back from the brink of full-scale war, calling such an outcome “disastrous” for the entire region. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed this sentiment, revealing that France is collaborating with the U.S. to push forward a 21-day ceasefire proposal. Barrot emphasized the importance of allowing diplomatic talks to begin, noting that he intends to visit Beirut later in the week to help advance negotiations. “We are counting on both parties to accept this ceasefire quickly to protect civilian lives and open the door to diplomacy,” he said.
Israel’s Ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, expressed openness to diplomatic solutions, stating that Israel appreciates efforts to prevent a full-scale conflict. “We welcome sincere attempts to prevent escalation and avoid a total war,” Danon remarked ahead of France’s ceasefire announcement.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, urged the Security Council to act swiftly to halt Israeli operations and guarantee the withdrawal of Israeli forces from what he described as “occupied Lebanese territories.” He also called for an end to daily violations of Lebanese sovereignty by Israel.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed deep concern over the situation, warning of a potential “all-out” war. In a television interview, Biden emphasized the importance of securing a ceasefire in Lebanon, suggesting that it could also lead to further peace efforts in the West Bank and Gaza. “It’s possible,” Biden said, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
As violence intensifies, the humanitarian toll continues to rise. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, cautioning that “hell is breaking loose.” The U.N. reports that over 90,000 Lebanese people have been displaced within the past five days due to Israeli airstrikes, and more than 200,000 have fled their homes since the Gaza war reignited in October. The coming days are crucial as world leaders push for peace in a region that teeters on the edge of further devastation.
