Israel warns time is running out to prevent war with Hezbollah

Black smoke rises from the site of an Israeli air strike on the village of Houla in southern Lebanon on September 16.

Since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to the conflict in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah and Israel have continuously clashed along the Lebanese border.

AFP estimated on September 16 that violence on the Lebanon-Israel border has so far killed hundreds of people, mostly gunmen, in Lebanon, while Israel has lost dozens of soldiers and civilians in the north of the country.

While negotiations brokered by the US, Qatar and Egypt are underway to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, there is no suggestion that negotiations are also needed to prevent the prospect of a war between Hezbollah and Israel.

Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem said on September 14 that the group has no intention of going to war with Israel. However, if Israel strikes first, bilateral losses will be severe.

Israel and Hezbollah fought a month-long war in the summer of 2006, killing more than 1,200 people in Lebanon, most of them civilians. Israeli casualties were about 160, mostly soldiers.

On September 16, the Israeli Defense Ministry stressed that the country will move to eliminate Hezbollah's presence in southern Lebanon and ensure the restoration of a safe environment for communities in northern Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on September 15 that the crisis in the north of the country would not continue, and that Israel would do everything necessary for people to return home safely.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/israel-canh-bao-thoi-gian-can-dan-de-ngan-chan-cuoc-chien-voi-hezbollah-185240916191934821.htm