Israel fears a dangerous expansion of the conflict with the Shiite militia Hezbollah in the border area with Lebanon. In a video statement, Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari accused the militia of increasing its attacks and endangering the future of the neighboring country.
“Hezbollah’s increasing aggression could bring us to the brink of a major escalation that could have devastating consequences for Lebanon and the entire region,” Hagari warns. His words did not pose a threat, the armed forces later emphasized, according to a report in the Israeli newspaper Maariv on Sunday evening. Rather, they are intended as a message to the international community of states.
Since the start of the Gaza war more than eight months ago, there have been almost daily fighting between the Israeli army and Hezbollah. Eventually they became more and more violent. Hezbollah, which is backed by Israel’s arch-enemy Iran, is allied with the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip but is considered far more powerful. The militia recently stepped up its attacks after the Israeli army deliberately killed one of its commanders.
To prevent further escalation along the ‘Blue Line’ between Israel and Lebanon, US President Joe Biden is sending his adviser Amos Hochstein to Israel, a person from the US presidential office with knowledge of the matter said. The Blue Line is a ceasefire line drawn by the United Nations. Although not an official international border, it serves as an important reference point for security and stability in the region.
Tank explosion in Rafah – apparently due to a bazooka
After one of the most serious incidents for the Israeli forces since the start of the war last Saturday – eight soldiers were killed – the Israeli army now believes that one of its armored personnel carriers was hit by an anti-tank missile in Rafah on Saturday.
According to initial findings, a door of the Namer tank was open, contrary to instructions, the newspaper ‘Israel Hayom’ wrote on Monday. All occupants are said to have been killed immediately when the rocket hit.
The incident is still under investigation. Other media reported possible secondary explosions from explosives attached to the outside of the tank. After the massive explosion, it took two hours for troops to approach the destroyed vehicle.
According to military sources, the soldiers were traveling in a convoy of armored vehicles after an operation in the northwest of Rafah. It was initially said it was unclear whether the explosion was caused by an anti-tank missile or a booby trap. The military wing of the Islamist terror organization Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack.
Tough fight against the Hamas stronghold
Israel says it wants to destroy one of the last strongholds of the militant Palestinian organization Hamas in Rafah. The army has been deploying more and more ground troops against Hamas since the beginning of May, but only wants this to be seen as a limited operation and not as a large-scale offensive. US President Joe Biden called the latter a ‘red line’. Due to the many deaths and the catastrophic humanitarian situation, Israel’s actions in the Gaza war are internationally controversial.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
