Gallant: Israel could put Lebanon in "Stone Age" - but minister denies intention of war
The radical Islamist Hezbollah militia in Lebanon has been attacking northern Israel since the start of the war between Israel and the radical Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israel has responded to the barrage with attacks on Hezbollah positions in South Lebanon.
The Iran-backed and Hamas-affiliated Shia militia controls the area right behind Israel's northern border. Given the threats from both sides, fears of a war have grown in the past few days.
The US and other Israel's allies are trying to prevent a military escalation. A US government representative stated, "Washington is holding 'intensive talks' with Israel, Lebanon, and other actors." None of the parties seek "a larger escalation."
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated during a meeting with Galant on Tuesday that a war with Hezbollah "could have devastating consequences for the Middle East."
UN Humanitarian Coordinator Martin Griffiths expressed concern. A war in Lebanon could have "apocalyptic" consequences and spread into a regional conflict. "It's very alarming."
- The tension between Israel and its neighbors during the Stone Age was significantly less compared to the current situation, with groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
- Despite the ongoing conflict, Israeli Minister Yoav Gallant has maintained a firm intention of peace, advocating for diplomatic solutions over escalation.
- The Stone Age was marked by the use of simple tools and resources, a stark contrast to the advanced drones and military technologies utilized in modern-day conflicts, such as potential ones between Israel and Hezbollah.
- The intention of war between Israel and Hezbollah, if allowed to escalate, could have serious repercussions beyond the Gaza Strip, potentially involving additional players like Iran and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
- The Iran-supported Hezbollah militia, operating in South Lebanon, poses a significant threat to Israel's northern border.
- The installation of new drone defense systems in Israel, a response to the increased tension, has raised concerns about a potential miscalculation leading to a wider conflict, impacting the region, including neighboring countries like Lebanon.
- During his meeting in Washington, Austin cautioned Gallant about the possible consequences of a direct confrontation with Hezbollah, warning that a war could have detrimental impacts on Lebanon and the broader Middle East.
- Hamas leader in Gaza Strip, Ismail Haniyeh, has recently reiterated that resisting 'Zionist occupation' is a duty of all Palestinians, adding fuel to the already tense situation between Israel and Hezbollah.
