Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, has issued a stark warning, hinting at a possible ground invasion of Lebanon. Speaking to troops stationed in the north of the country, Gallant asserted that the elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is not the end of the conflict. He emphasized Israel’s commitment to using all its capabilities, including ground forces, to secure the safe return of Israelis displaced by Hezbollah rocket fire.
Gallant’s statement comes as Israel continues its relentless airstrikes on Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and operatives. The strikes have caused widespread devastation, claiming the lives of over 1,000 people, injuring thousands more, and displacing an estimated one million Lebanese citizens. In response to the loss of Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, declared that a replacement will be appointed soon, assuring the continuation of the fight. He dismissed Israel’s claims of crippling Hezbollah’s capabilities, asserting that the group has only used a small fraction of its arsenal. Qassem emphasized Hezbollah’s resilience, noting that any other organization would have crumbled under the weight of recent sabotage attacks, which are widely attributed to Israel.
While Israel intensifies its operations in Lebanon, its airstrikes in Gaza also continue, with reports indicating that 12 people, including a journalist, were killed in strikes on Monday. The ongoing conflict has sparked international concern, with calls for a ceasefire and de-escalation growing louder. Over the weekend, Israel carried out airstrikes on locations in Yemen, controlled by the Houthi rebels, while explosions were reported in Damascus, Syria, on Monday morning. This series of events highlights the escalating tensions in the region, with the potential for further conflict looming large.
