Janice R. Andrews
Israel has intensified its military campaign with airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon, targeting what they claim are Hezbollah weapons facilities. The situation escalated when Israeli jets struck southern Beirut’s underground weapons storage and the town of Nabatiyeh, resulting in 16 deaths and over 50 injuries, including Nabatiyeh’s mayor Ahmed Kahil.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has stood firm against cease-fire proposals, including during discussions with French President Macron. He argues that any pause would only allow Hezbollah to regroup. While Israel did permit 50 humanitarian aid trucks to enter northern Gaza, the UN warns that Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis.
International response has been mixed:
- The EU and Gulf nations held their first summit to address the crisis
- Germany doubled its military support to Israel, approving €31 million in arms exports
- France banned Israeli companies from displaying at the Euronaval defense show
- The UK is considering sanctions on Israeli ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir
- Iran warned of a “decisive response” if Israel continues its operations against Hezbollah
The U.S., while maintaining support for Israel, has expressed concerns about the humanitarian impact and suggested that continued military support might depend on Israel allowing more aid into Gaza.
The situation remains volatile, with regional powers becoming increasingly involved. While diplomatic efforts continue through venues like the EU-Gulf summit, there’s currently no clear path to de-escalation, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
