Tensions in the Middle East are escalating rapidly as Israel prepares for a potential ground invasion of Lebanon. This comes after Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, launched a ballistic missile towards an area in Tel Aviv, which was successfully intercepted by Israeli air defenses. The attack, aimed at the headquarters of the Israeli spy agency Mossad, is considered Hezbollah’s most provocative act against Israeli operations to date.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have responded by calling up reserve brigades to “decisively destroy” Hezbollah’s infrastructure, according to IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Haelvi. The situation has sparked fears of a full-scale war in the region, with President Joe Biden acknowledging the possibility of “all-out war” during a recent interview.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, now extending to Lebanon, has already displaced millions of civilians. The United Nations estimates that 2 million Palestinians have been displaced in Gaza due to the war with Hamas, which began almost a year ago. In Lebanon, over 90,000 people have been displaced as a result of the conflict with Hezbollah, according to NBC News.
World leaders are gathering in New York City for the 79th session of the U.N. General Assembly. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated the plan is to “de-escalate” and avoid “full-scale war.” However, it remains to be seen whether any deliberations will lead to a ceasefire in Lebanon or an agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stand down from a ground invasion.
