Israel and Hezbollah step closer towards wider war as tensions soar

Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in low level hostilities for eight months, however, these hostilities increased last week by launching rocket strikes in Northern Israel after Israel assassinated Hezbollah’s one of the most senior commanders in its strike.

The United States sent a special envoy, Amos Hochstein to the region, in order to reduce tensions and prevent a wider war between Israel and Hezbollah. “The situation is serious; we have seen escalation in the last few weeks and what president Biden wants to do is to avoid a further escalation to a greater war” said special envoy Amos Hochstein.

However, soon after Amos Hochstein’s meeting in Beirut, Hezbollah released drone footage showing sensitive sites deep within Israel. In response, Israel’s senior general approved plans for a ground offensive in Lebanon later on Wednesday. Israel is ready for an “all-out war” and has plans for an offensive against Hezbollah, Israel officials said. However, the US officials have serious concerns that in the event of full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran backed hostile militant group could overwhelm Israel’s Iron dome.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has also accused Cyprus of aiding Israel by providing logistical support through its airports and bases, warning that if Cyprus facilitates Israeli military activities against Lebanon, it would be considered “part of the war” and subject to retaliation. Nasrallah also emphasized that any such cooperation would make Cyprus a part of the conflict, leaving it vulnerable to Hezbollah’s response. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that Cyprus is not involved in any military operations and is recognized for its humanitarian efforts, including the Cyprus-Gaza maritime corridor

The Iran backed hostile militant group says it has conducted more than 2,000 military operations in support of Hamas since October. Thousands of people from both sides have fled their homes from the border regions.