The Israel-Hezbollah-Iran conflict continues to escalate with no end in sight. After Iran launched 180 missiles at Israel on Tuesday, October 1st, the Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, has intensified its ground offensive in Lebanon. However, the operation has come at a heavy cost, with eight Israeli soldiers losing their lives in combat.
On Wednesday, October 2nd, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the first fatalities of their ground operation in Lebanon. The soldiers were killed during battles against Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon. In retaliation, Israel launched an airstrike on a building in central Beirut, killing at least six people. This is the first Israeli strike so close to the heart of Beirut, striking just meters away from Lebanon’s parliament. Additionally, there were five other airstrikes overnight against targets in the southern suburb of Dahieh.
The IDF’s ground operation, initiated on September 30th, was initially described as “limited, localized, and targeted.” However, the recent casualties highlight the escalating nature of the conflict. The eight fallen soldiers were identified as: Captain Eitan Itzhak Oster, Captain Harel Etinger, Captain Itai Ariel Giat, Sergeant First Class Noam Barzilay, Sergeant First Class Or Mantzur, Sergeant First Class Nazar Itkin, Staff Sergeant Almken Terefe, and Staff Sergeant Ido Broyer. The IDF stated that six soldiers from the Egoz unit were killed during a gun battle with Hezbollah operatives, while two soldiers from the Golani recon unit died in a separate incident.
Hezbollah, the Lebanese-based militant group, claimed responsibility for the Israeli soldiers’ deaths, stating that they detonated explosive devices in the building where the soldiers were stationed. They also claimed to have destroyed three Merkava tanks with rockets as they advanced towards the village of Maroun al-Ras.
The deaths of the eight IDF soldiers have raised concerns about the potential for a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah. Defense experts warn that continued losses by Israel could significantly impact the scope of the offensive. Miri Eisin, a former senior intelligence officer of the Israeli military, believes that the ground attacks could lead to protracted battles. She suggests that the IDF may shift their operations to nighttime to gain an advantage.
Hezbollah’s familiarity with the terrain and their extensive network of tunnels give them a tactical edge in Lebanon. Since 2006, Hezbollah has significantly expanded its forces, increasing from approximately 5,000 soldiers to tens of thousands. They also possess combat experience gained from fighting in the Syrian Civil War in support of President Bashar al-Assad.
Furthermore, Hezbollah’s use of drones allows them to monitor Israeli troop movements more effectively than they could in 2006. Al Jazeera’s defense editor, Alex Gatopoulos, highlights the strategic advantage of Hezbollah’s subterranean capabilities, allowing them to surprise their enemy by emerging from unexpected locations.
Israel’s stated objective in Lebanon is to prevent Hezbollah from carrying out attacks similar to the October 7th incident in northern Israel. They also aim to push Hezbollah away from the border to allow displaced Israelis to return to their homes. However, the UN and other countries have expressed concerns about the high death toll resulting from Israel’s airstrikes in Lebanon. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, over 1,000 people, including children, have died in the past 10 days. The UN has also reported that the violence has displaced over one million people in Lebanon.
The ground invasion represents a dangerous escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Many fear that the current situation could lead to an all-out war between Hezbollah, backed by Iran and its proxies, and Israel.
After suffering its deadliest day on the Lebanese front, Israel retaliated with airstrikes on central Beirut. This is the first time Israel has struck central Beirut since 2006, resulting in the deaths of six people, including an American resident. The strike targeted a medical center belonging to the Hezbollah-linked Islamic Health Organisation. This is the second airstrike on central Beirut this week, after previous strikes were primarily focused on the city’s southern suburbs. The airstrikes have caused buildings in Beirut to shake, according to AFP journalists.
The escalation of the conflict has raised alarm across the world. The international community is calling for a peaceful resolution and de-escalation of the situation. However, the ongoing violence and the lack of any clear path towards resolution leave the future of the region uncertain and precarious.
