Lebanon Warns of Potential “New War” Amid Escalating Tensions with Israel
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has expressed concerns that Lebanon could be dragged into a “new war” following an exchange of fire between Israel and militants in southern Lebanon. The tensions flared after Israel reported intercepting five rockets fired from Lebanon toward the northern Israeli town of Metula, marking the first such attack in three months.
The Israeli military stated that the rockets were launched from a district near the border and were successfully intercepted, triggering alarms in the region. In response, Israel retaliated with artillery fire targeting southern Lebanese towns and conducted airstrikes on several locations closer to the border.
This escalation comes amid an already volatile situation in the region. In Gaza, five children were killed in a major overnight air attack, with at least eight family members still trapped under the rubble. The violence in Gaza has intensified since Israel broke a ceasefire agreement with Hamas on Tuesday, resulting in nearly 600 Palestinian deaths.
The recent rocket fire from Lebanon threatens to destabilize the fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, which had brought an end to months of cross-border hostilities. The ceasefire, brokered by the United States, had largely held since November, following a prolonged conflict that caused significant casualties on both sides.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning in response to the rocket attack, vowing a severe reaction to any future provocations. “We will not allow rocket fire from Lebanon on the Galilee communities,” Katz said, referring to the Israeli region bordering Lebanon. “We promised security to the communities of the Galileeβand that is exactly how it will be.”
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack and called for heightened military preparedness to prevent further escalation. “All security and military measures must be taken to show that Lebanon decides on matters of war and peace,” Salam stated, emphasizing the need to avoid being drawn into a broader conflict.
The Israeli military is currently investigating the source of the rocket fire, and Hezbollah has yet to comment on the incident. Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah was required to refrain from deploying weapons in southern Lebanon, while Israel was expected to withdraw its troops from the area.
The recent flare-up underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the potential for renewed hostilities in the region. As tensions remain high, both sides are being urged to exercise restraint to prevent further violence and instability.
