Hezbollah Declares Confidence in Resisting Israel Amid Rising Tensions in the Middle East
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Roshan Amiri
- . October 8, 2024
- . Update: October 8, 2024 9:38 pm
Hezbollah has made a strong declaration expressing hope in its capacity to thwart Israeli military action as the first anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attacks is being celebrated. Despite mounting tensions in the area, the militant group based in Lebanon—which ties closely to Hamas and gets strong support from Iran—has promised to keep on its battle against Israel. The group praised the 2023 Hamas strikes as “heroic” and foresaw “historical” importance for the Middle East from their impact.
With its declaration, Hezbollah emphasized its long-standing belief that Israel has no legitimate role in the area and must finally be evacuated, regardless of how long that takes. Accusing the United States and its supporters of being accountable for the slaughter that followed Hamas’s attack, the group’s narrative also placed blame for the later violence in Gaza and Lebanon directly at their feet. Hezbollah claims that these Western nations share “full responsibility” for the more general regional strife.
Israel Negotiating Trauma and Constant Threats
Although Hezbollah’s propaganda permeates Israel, Lebanon, the emotional and physical scars of last year’s assaults remain acute. Israel’s ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, considered the profound scars the bombings left behind in an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program. She said the event was a turning point in modern Israeli history, leaving the country devastated and permanently changed.
Hotovely underlined the strategic threat Iran presents, positioning Israel inside a “ring of fire” by means of its proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas. With hostile factions to the north (Hezbollah), the south (Hamas), and other forces in the east, all apparently under Iran’s sway, this image speaks of the strategic encirclement of Israel. The leadership of Israel has made it very evident that the 7 October strikes, which took many civilian and military lives, are not isolated events but rather part of a more general Tehran-driven agenda.
The comments of the envoy reflected the feelings of many Israelis who still struggle with the long-term consequences of the bloodshed of last year. The strikes severely damaged Israel’s sense of security and exposed weaknesses in its military and intelligence services now under repair.
Israel Adds Extra Troops to Southern Lebanon
Ground-wise, Israel is acting aggressively to offset the rising threat presented by Hezbollah. Confirming that another division—the 91st division—has been sent for “localized operations”—the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Since Israel started its ground attack of Lebanon the previous week, this represents the third division-strength troop movement into the area.
Having seen action in Gaza and northern Israel prior to being redeployed to Lebanon, the 91st division has been a major actor in Israel’s activities during the past year. Israel’s will to stop Hezbollah from acquiring more territory drives the choice to dispatch extra troops to the border area. These actions have been described by Israeli officials as essential for preserving northern security, where Hezbollah’s influence is especially great.
A full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah is still quite likely as Israeli troops carry on their activities. Both sides have been in a tense standoff, with cross-border strikes and skirmishes increasing often in recent weeks.
Iran’s Participation and the Anticipated Israeli Counter-Strike
Particularly after Iran’s last ballistic missile strike on Israel, the Middle Eastern geopolitical scene has grown more erratic. Tehran defended the attack as a reaction to targeted killings of important figures inside Hezbollah and Hamas. The strike, which signaled a notable escalation in the continuous battle, has spurred a lot of conjecture on Israel’s future action. Promising Iran would “pay a heavy price” for its actions, Israeli leaders have promised to retaliate.
Still, almost a week has gone since Iran’s missile strike and Israel has not yet reacted. Analysts believe the delay results from thorough thought among the political and military leadership of Israel. The closest ally of Israel, the United States, apparently has been consulted about the possible fallout from a counter-strike. Among the targets under consideration are military bases of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, nuclear research facilities, ballistic missile manufacturers, and Iranian oil installations.
The timing and scope of any Israeli reprisal raise serious questions for Washington. American authorities are wary of endorsing any action that may further destabilize the area as a U.S. presidential election looms and worries about military action could lead to a sudden rise in oil prices. Getting caught in another significant battle in the Middle East, one that would draw the American military and have more general worldwide consequences, worries the Biden government especially.
Although many had anticipated Israel to react right after the Jewish New Year, the matter is still under flux and the only thing for sure is that a counter-strike is about to happen. Some believe that the reprisal might coincide with the one-year anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attacks, therefore giving Israel’s military reaction symbolic weight.
Building Conflict and Regional Consequences
The growing confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah has wide-ranging consequences for the Middle East generally. Long a cause of unrest, Iran’s participation in the conflicts in the area—especially its backing of proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas—has long caused problems. Given Israel and Iran apparently headed toward collision, there is great chance for a more general regional conflict.
Furthermore, Hezbollah’s uncompromising attitude toward Israel and its ongoing presence in Lebanon have sent Lebanon into even more political and economic upheaval. Already weak government of Lebanon has had to control the effects of Hezbollah’s armed operations, which have pulled the nation into a proxy war between Israel and Iran.
Simultaneously, Israeli society is struggling with the psychological effects of the continuous strife. The memory of the 7 October strikes is still fresh, thus the continuous danger of Hezbollah’s rocket attacks from the north further fuels the general concern. Multiple times, Israeli residents near the Lebanese border have been compelled to flee their houses as missile sirens blare and fighting between Hezbollah and the IDF continues.
A brittle calm before the storm
With both Israel and Hezbollah ready for the likelihood of more bloodshed, the Middle East’s position is still fragile. The likelihood of a significant battle gets more evident daily as Israeli forces strengthen their positions in Lebanon and Hezbollah pledges to keep on its opposition.
The course of this battle will probably be decided throughout the next several weeks. Should Israel keep to its pledge of a large counter-strike against Iran, the effects might be far-reaching and perhaps involve other countries into the conflict. All eyes are on Israel and Hezbollah as the area gets ready for what might be the next stage of this long-running confrontation, waiting to see who will act.
