Israel is preparing to escalate its conflict with Hezbollah by launching military operations along Lebanon’s southern coast. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued an urgent warning to civilians, advising beachgoers and boaters to avoid a 36-mile stretch of the Mediterranean coastline from the Awali River southward.
The IDF plans to target Hezbollah activities in this maritime area. This escalation comes amidst heightened tensions following the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack, the deadliest in Israel’s history, which resulted in significant loss of life and abductions.
The Hamas attack, which killed nearly 1,200 people and saw the abduction of 250, including 100 hostages still held in Gaza, triggered an intense military response from Israel. While Israel has been actively engaged in air and ground operations against Hamas in Gaza, the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon has also been escalating.
Over the past year, cross-border fire between Hezbollah and Israel has intensified, with recent weeks witnessing increased bombings and a limited ground campaign near the Israel-Lebanon border.
Israel Issues Urgent Coastal Warning as It Prepares Escalation Against Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon
On Monday, Israeli fighter jets carried out extensive strikes in southern Lebanon, hitting Hezbollah positions with over 120 airstrikes in just an hour. These coastal operations have been accompanied by warnings to residents in neighborhoods south of Beirut to evacuate, as Israel prepares for further military actions.
This escalation is part of Israel’s broader efforts to push Hezbollah away from its northern border, allowing displaced Israelis to return to their homes in the region.
The conflict has drawn international attention, particularly from Iran, which retaliated by launching a barrage of 180 missiles at Israel last week. Iran’s involvement has further complicated the situation, as Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli strike on September 27.
The conflict has already caused significant casualties, with over 1,400 people killed and 1.2 million displaced across Lebanon and Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
In response to the ongoing hostilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to continue its military operations until all threats are eliminated.
He outlined the country’s primary objectives: the complete destruction of Hamas, the return of Israeli hostages, and securing Israel’s northern border from Hezbollah’s influence. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s fight would continue as long as its existence and security remain under threat, signaling no immediate end to the conflict.
