Hezbollah Takes Us to the Brink of Wider Escalation

TEL AVIV – The Zionist military said increased cross-border fire from the Lebanese Hezbollah group to Israel could trigger a serious escalation.

“Hezbollah’s increasing aggression is leading us to the brink of wider escalation, which could have devastating consequences for Lebanon and the entire region,” Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in an English-language video statement, reported Reuters, Monday (17/6/2024).

Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, last week launched its biggest rocket and drone attack ever – but in the last eight months Hezbollah has exchanged fire with the Israeli military – along with the Gaza war.

After relatively heavy firefights over the past week, Sunday saw a sharp reduction in Hezbollah fire, while the Israeli military said it had carried out several airstrikes against the group in southern Lebanon.

The United States and France are working to reach a negotiated settlement of hostilities along Lebanon’s southern border.

Hezbollah says it will not stop firing unless Israel halts its military offensive in Gaza.

“Israel will take the necessary measures to protect its civilians—until security along our border with Lebanon is restored,” Hagari said.

(but)