In the wake of escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli officials have issued a stark warning to the United States regarding potential retaliation from the Lebanese militant group. According to two Israeli officials cited in an Axios report, Israel has communicated to Washington that if Hezbollah targets Israeli civilians in response to recent military actions, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will deliver a “disproportionate” response.
The warning comes amid growing fears of a broader conflict. Israeli officials are keen to avoid an all-out war with Hezbollah and are attempting to clearly define what actions would trigger a severe escalation. This move aims to set boundaries and deter Hezbollah from attacking civilian targets, thereby preventing further deterioration of the situation.
Hezbollah’s rhetoric isn’t helping
The situation was further complicated by recent statements from Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. In a speech delivered on Tuesday, Nasrallah vowed retaliation for the assassination of Fuad Shukr, a top Hezbollah military commander, by Israel in Beirut last week. Nasrallah also hinted at potential Iranian retaliation for the Israeli assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
“The fact that Israel is waiting for the response for a week is part of the punishment because it is also a psychological war that influences morale,” Nasrallah said. His comments have heightened anticipation of a possible attack on Israel in the near future, though the exact timing and nature of any such attacks remain uncertain.
Hezbollah’s lackeys have suggested that Tel-Aviv might be targeted
Compounding the anxiety, Ibrahim al-Amin, editor-in-chief of the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, which is affiliated with Hezbollah, suggested that Hezbollah might target Tel Aviv as part of its response. Al-Amin, known for his close ties to Nasrallah, wrote that Hezbollah could use the recent civilian casualties in southern Beirut to justify attacks on Israeli civilian centers. He indicated that significant targets might include the IDF headquarters in central Tel Aviv or the Mossad headquarters in northern Tel Aviv.
What is Israel’s view?
Israeli officials have taken these warnings seriously. They are concerned that Hezbollah’s potential attacks could endanger civilian lives due to the group’s history of inaccurate rocket fire. One notable example is a recent Hezbollah rocket attack that mistakenly hit a soccer field in the Golan Heights, killing 12 children. Israeli officials are particularly worried about the impact of long-range missiles, which have larger warheads and pose a greater risk to civilians.
In internal discussions with U.S. officials, Israel has emphasized the potential consequences of a Hezbollah misstep. A senior Israeli official noted, “In the internal discussions with the U.S., Israel stressed that the cost of another Hezbollah mishap would be heavy and that Hezbollah would pay a disproportionate price if it harmed civilians as part of its retaliation.”
As the situation continues to develop, both Israel and the U.S. are closely monitoring Hezbollah’s movements, hoping to prevent further escalation and protect civilian lives.
Hezbollah Will Pay ‘Disproportionate Price’ if it Harms Civilians, Israel says to US world-news World News | Latest International News | Global World News | World News Today
