JERUSALEM, June 16 – The Israeli military has cautioned that the intensification of cross-border fire from Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement could lead to a serious escalation, with far-reaching consequences for Lebanon and the broader region. In a video statement delivered in English, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesperson, highlighted the growing threat posed by Hezbollah’s increasing aggression.
“Hezbollah’s increasing aggression is bringing us to the brink of what could be a wider escalation, one that could have devastating consequences for Lebanon and the entire region,” Hagari stated. This warning comes in the wake of Hezbollah’s most substantial barrage of rockets and drones in the last eight months, coinciding with ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
The exchanges between Hezbollah and the Israeli military have been particularly intense over the past week. However, there was a noticeable decrease in Hezbollah’s attacks on Sunday, according to Israeli military sources. In response to previous aggressions, the Israeli military carried out several air strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
Efforts to de-escalate the situation are underway, with the United States and France working towards a negotiated settlement to cease hostilities along Lebanon’s southern border. Despite these efforts, Hezbollah has declared that it will not stop its attacks unless Israel ends its military operations in Gaza.
Rear Admiral Hagari emphasised Israel’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens, stating, “Israel will take the necessary measures to protect its civilians — until security along our border with Lebanon is restored.” This firm stance underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for further escalation if a resolution is not reached soon.
The ongoing conflict has drawn significant international concern, with diplomatic channels being leveraged to prevent a full-scale war. The stakes are high, as any further escalation could destabilise the already volatile region, affecting not just Lebanon and Israel but also their neighbouring countries.
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