Tensions between Israel and the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon have recently increased. Israel’s Foreign Minister Katz is threatening a “full-scale war”. The army has now confirmed operational plans for a possible offensive in Lebanon.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have approved operational plans for a possible offensive in Lebanon following growing tensions with the radical Islamic Hezbollah militia.
“As part of the situation assessment, the operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon were confirmed and approved. Decisions were made to further increase the operational readiness of the troops in the field,” the IDF said. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have recently increased.
Katz threatens “all-out war”
Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned of an escalation in the north of the country. “In a full-scale war, Hezbollah will be destroyed and Lebanon will be hit hard,” he wrote on the X platform in the evening. “We are close to the moment of decision to change the rules against Hezbollah and Lebanon,” he threatened.
Hezbollah publishes drone images
Previously, the Lebanese Hezbollah militia had published what it claimed were aerial photographs from northern Israel. The images are said to show the port of Haifa and other important strategic locations in the area and were taken by a drone.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah boasts of having filmed the ports of Haifa and threatens to attack them, Katz wrote. The ports are operated by international companies from China and India, the foreign minister stressed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also recently stressed that the army is ready for intensive deployment in Lebanon should this become necessary.
US envoy tries to mediate
US envoy Amos Hochstein held talks in Lebanon on Tuesday to reach a ceasefire between Israel and the Shiite militia. According to Lebanese information, Hochstein wanted to convey a sharp warning from the Israeli side to the Lebanese government.
According to media reports, Benny Gantz, former minister in the Israeli war cabinet, warned Hochstein that time was running out for a diplomatic agreement.
Since the war in the Gaza Strip began more than eight months ago, there have been daily military confrontations between the Israeli army and the Lebanese Hezbollah militia in the border area between the two countries. There have been deaths on both sides.
After a high-ranking Hezbollah commander was killed in an Israeli attack, the militia increased its attacks on northern Israel last week. There is great international concern about an escalation of the conflict.