Netanyahu Vows ‘Full Force’ Against Hezbollah Amid Escalation, Cease-Fire Hopes Fade
Introduction
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue “full force” strikes against Hezbollah until the militant group ceases its rocket attacks across the border. The intensifying conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which erupted following Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel, has dimmed hopes for a cease-fire proposed by U.S. and European officials. Netanyahu’s stance was reiterated as he landed in New York for the U.N. General Assembly.
Conflict Escalates with Strikes and Counterattacks
Israel has escalated its military campaign, launching strikes in Lebanon, including a recent one in Beirut that reportedly killed senior Hezbollah commander Mohammed Hussein Surour. Hezbollah has responded with dozens of rocket launches into Israel, resulting in the displacement of tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border. The Israeli military confirmed that Hezbollah fired over 175 projectiles on Thursday, most of which were intercepted or fell in uninhabited areas.
Diplomacy Struggles Amid Fighting
Diplomatic efforts, led by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and European officials, aim for a 21-day cease-fire to create space for peace talks. However, Hezbollah has not responded to the proposal, and Israeli officials remain skeptical, indicating that a cease-fire is only in the proposal stage. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has expressed support for the initiative, though his influence over Hezbollah is limited.
Mounting Casualties and Destruction
The fighting has resulted in significant casualties, with nearly 700 people killed in Lebanon this week alone due to Israeli airstrikes. Hezbollah’s strikes on Israel have also caused injuries and property damage, with rockets hitting civilian areas. In one of the deadliest single strikes, an Israeli airstrike on Baalbek killed 20 people, including women and children. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, over 690 people have died in the conflict, many of them civilians, underscoring the human tragedy unfolding in the region.
Israeli Ground Invasion Threat Looms
Israel has positioned thousands of troops near the Lebanese border, signaling the possibility of a ground invasion to push Hezbollah back. The threat of an all-out war reminiscent of the 2006 Lebanon-Israel conflict has raised concerns internationally. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that another full-scale war could be devastating for both nations, potentially leading to widespread destruction, loss of life, and further destabilization in the region.
Political Fallout in Israel
Netanyahu faces internal pressure from far-right allies opposed to any cease-fire with Hezbollah. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened to resign if a temporary cease-fire becomes permanent, which could destabilize Netanyahu’s government and lead to political uncertainty at a critical time. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have indicated they may support a cease-fire if it secures peace.
Conclusion
As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, the prospect of a cease-fire remains uncertain. With mounting casualties and displaced populations, the international community continues to press for a resolution. However, both sides appear entrenched in their positions, and the coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomacy can prevail or if the region is heading toward a more significant, more devastating conflict.