Once bustling with life, the northern regions of Israel have turned into ghost towns. Abandoned houses and scorched forests paint a grim picture, the result of relentless missile strikes from Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, southern Lebanon is experiencing a parallel devastation, with entire areas reduced to rubble by Israeli bombardments.
This escalating tit-for-tat conflict, which began in October alongside the Gaza war, is shifting into increasingly alarming territory.
A Steady Escalation
Hezbollah has launched a record number of projectiles this month — around 900 — hitting various targets in Israel.
The militant group’s leader claims overwhelming volunteer support for fighting Israel “without any rules, restraints, or ceiling.”
Israel, in response, has intensified its military operations in Lebanon, with deeper and more destructive strikes.
The Israeli northern military command has even approved a new battle plan for potential extended conflict.
Volatile Dynamics
While both Hezbollah and Israel publicly state they do not desire a full-scale war, concerns are mounting that one might be inevitable.
The potential for a broader conflict has drawn the attention of international diplomats.
Senior US and French officials have made urgent visits to Jerusalem and Beirut in an attempt to mediate and prevent further escalation.
Diplomatic Efforts
The current diplomatic plan hinges on Hezbollah moving its fighters back from the Israeli border.
Negotiations are starting with the aim of establishing a 10 km buffer zone, monitored by international forces and the Lebanese army.
However, Hezbollah ties its actions directly to the conflict in Gaza, indicating that border negotiations will only follow a ceasefire there.
Human Toll
The human impact of the conflict is immense. Tens of thousands have been displaced on both sides of the border.
In southern Lebanon, neighborhoods in villages like Aita Al-Shaab and Aytaroun have been leveled, exacerbating an already dire economic situation.
Lebanon is still reeling from a financial crisis that saw its currency collapse and led to the first-ever default on its Eurobonds.
Economic Impact
In Israel, the constant missile barrage threatens to overwhelm its lauded air defense systems and could cause severe economic repercussions.
The Israeli finance ministry predicts a potential drop in GDP growth from 1.9% to -1.5% if the conflict escalates, which could lead to a credit downgrade.
International Concerns
The international community is deeply concerned about the potential for a broader regional conflict.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of the catastrophic consequences if the situation escalates further.
US President Joe Biden’s administration is also keen to avoid another Middle Eastern war, especially with elections approaching.
Future Uncertainty
Despite the diplomatic efforts, the situation remains volatile. Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza is ongoing, making a simultaneous conflict with Hezbollah even more challenging.
The public in both Israel and Lebanon is weary of war, but the continuous cycle of attacks and retaliations makes peace seem elusive.
As summer progresses, the world watches anxiously, hoping that diplomatic channels will prevail over military might, and that the region will not plunge into another devastating war.
