Israel has issued a warning to Hezbollah, warning them about the potential consequences they would face if they were to become involved in the current war.
The Israeli government clarified that Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed movement, would be subjected to significant and severe retaliation should they choose to enter the ongoing hostilities, as per to Mail Online.
Israel Declares Northern Border Closed Military Zone Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, Israel has declared its northern border with Lebanon a closed military zone. This move comes after deadly clashes with Hezbollah and growing fears of another front opening while the Gaza Strip faces ongoing bombardment.
Hezbollah, the Lebanese political and military group, stated that its attacks responded to Israel's strikes into Lebanon the previous day. These Israeli strikes resulted in the death of two civilians and a Reuters cameraman, Issam Abdallah, who was filming near the border.
Israel is currently investigating the killing of Abdallah. Online footage clearly showed that Abdallah and his colleagues were marked as "Press" when they were targeted by a projectile launched from Israel.
The move by Israel to close its northern border is a significant step, driven by concerns that Hezbollah might open a second front, potentially coming to the aid of Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip.
The situation in Gaza has escalated significantly recently, with Hamas fighters launching an unprecedented multi pronged attack on Israel, causing casualties and taking hostages.
Israel's actions have not been confined to its northern border, as it also targeted airports in Syria's Aleppo and Damascus, according to Aljazeera.
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Israel's Complex Conflict
In what is perceived as a strategic move, efforts are being made to hinder Iran's utilization of Syria to engage in the ongoing dispute. While Iran has not officially threatened to join the war, it has warned Israel of consequences if it does not halt its attacks on Gaza.
Al Jazeera's Ali Hashem, reporting from Ayta Ash Shab in Lebanon, highlighted the interconnected nature of the conflicts in the region.
"Everything going on at this border is linked to what's happening in Gaza. This front could be the most concerning for Israel because of the quality of weapons Hezbollah has. The group has been stockpiling tens of thousands of rockets," Hashem said. "So there is a concern about what kind of a war could begin on this front in case the situation in Gaza escalates."
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with Israel continuing its bombardment and even hinting at a possible ground assault. Meanwhile, the conflict has already resulted in many casualties, including the deaths of Palestinian civilians, including children.
In Lebanon earlier this week, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian warned that Hezbollah has prepared scenarios in case Israel intensifies its attacks on Gaza. Amid these escalating tensions, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has verified the use of artillery-fired white phosphorus, a lethal chemical, in Lebanon and Gaza.
The use of white phosphorus in areas with civilian populations is banned under a United Nations convention. Iran, a staunch supporter of Hamas, has emphasized its desire to prevent the conflict from spreading across the region.
However, it has also indicated that it may respond if Israel's operation in Gaza persists.
With the situation in the Middle East growing increasingly complex, the international community closely monitors the developments. President Biden has urged other regional players to refrain from entering the conflict and has deployed American warships to the region, pledging unwavering support for Israel.
However, finding a path to peace remains elusive as the Middle East teeters on the brink of a more significant, more devastating conflict, Fox News reported.
