Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a grave warning to the people of Lebanon, urging them to distance themselves from Hezbollah or face a prolonged and devastating war. In a direct video address on Tuesday, Netanyahu appealed to Lebanon’s diverse communities—Christians, Druze, Sunnis, and Shiites—warning that the country could descend into chaos similar to the devastation seen in Gaza if Hezbollah continues its conflict with Israel.
“Christians, Druze, Muslims—Sunnis and Shiites alike—are all suffering because of Hezbollah’s futile war in Israel,” Netanyahu said. “You have an opportunity to save Lebanon before it falls into the abyss of a long war that will bring destruction and suffering similar to what we see in Gaza.”
Lebanon Facing Escalating Attacks
Netanyahu’s warning comes as Israel intensifies its military operations in Lebanon, drawing parallels to a campaign currently being waged against Hamas in Gaza. According to the United Nations, conflict is already causing widespread destruction in Lebanon, with Israel’s airstrikes flattening buildings and displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians. UN expressed concerns that Lebanon could soon witness the same devastating patterns seen in Gaza, where relentless Israeli bombardments have killed over 41,900 people and displaced nearly 90% of the population.
In southern Beirut, Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah strongholds, causing massive destruction. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that a series of airstrikes in the Dahiyeh area led to the collapse of four residential buildings, displacing more civilians and adding to a growing humanitarian crisis.
Hezbollah Endorses Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Clashes
In a significant development, Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Sheikh Naim Qassem, announced the group’s support for a ceasefire in Lebanon, marking the first time Hezbollah has openly endorsed such a measure. However, despite this gesture, fighting continues to rage across the border. Hezbollah claimed to have wounded Israeli soldiers in a skirmish near the Lebanese town of Blida, although Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not confirmed any reports. Meanwhile, IDF reported that Hezbollah launched approximately 180 projectiles into Israeli territory on Tuesday alone.
Escalation has led to rising tensions between Israeli political and military leaders. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant postponed a planned trip to Washington on Netanyahu’s instructions, amid speculation that the Israeli cabinet must first agree on a response to Iran’s involvement in the region. Gallant was scheduled to meet U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, but his postponed visit signals Israel’s intent to focus on its immediate regional challenges.
Israeli Forces Raise Flag in Southern Lebanon
As conflict intensifies, Israeli forces have made further advances in southern Lebanon. Israeli troops were filmed raising their national flag near the border village of Maroun Al-Ras after seizing a Hezbollah combat compound in the area. The footage, widely circulated on social media, symbolizes Israel’s growing military presence along the Lebanese border. Satellite imagery has also confirmed the presence of Israeli army vehicles near the village, underscoring the scope of the operation.
United Nations has expressed alarm over the situation, urging both Israel and Hezbollah to protect civilians and respect international law. UN officials have warned that conflict could spiral further, creating a humanitarian disaster similar to Gaza’s.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza
As conflict spreads to Lebanon and Syria, Gaza continues to face unparalleled devastation. Over 41,900 people have been killed, and nearly 1.9 million—approximately 90% of Gaza’s population—are now displaced due to Israel’s ongoing military operations. Hospitals in northern Gaza, including Kamal Adwan Hospital, have been ordered to evacuate within 24 hours, raising concerns about the ability to provide care for thousands of civilians injured in conflict. Medical facilities are struggling under extreme conditions, with critical shortages of fuel, medicine, and or resources needed to treat patients, particularly children and newborns in intensive care.
The Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, Hussam Abu Safiya, described the situation as dire, stating that it is “impossible to evacuate” all patients, especially those in the neonatal unit. The hospital remains the only functioning medical facility in northern Gaza, and its closure would exacerbate an already severe humanitarian crisis.
Regional Escalation: Israeli Strikes in Syria
In a parallel development, Israeli airstrikes targeted a residential building in Damascus, Syria, on Tuesday, killing at least seven people, including women and children. The strike occurred in the Mazzeh neighborhood, close to several diplomatic facilities, including the Iranian embassy. Israel Defense Forces have not commented on the strike, but Syrian state media have condemned the attack, highlighting the regional dimension of escalating conflict.
This airstrike follows a pattern of Israeli operations aimed at curbing Iranian influence in Syria and Lebanon, where Tehran has backed Hezbollah’s military actions. Iranian embassy in Damascus condemned the attack, calling it a “terrorist act” but confirmed no Iranian personnel were harmed.
International Concerns Mount
As war threatens to engulf Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, international actors are calling for urgent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. United Nations and humanitarian agencies are warning of the catastrophic impact conflict is having on civilians across the region. With both Israel and Hezbollah showing no signs of backing down, the prospect of a full-scale regional war looms large.
Netanyahu’s appeal to the Lebanese people to “take back your country” from Hezbollah underscores the growing intensity of the conflict. However, with deep-rooted involvement of regional powers like Iran, and Hezbollah’s continued military actions, the road to peace remains fraught with challenges.
For now, Lebanon, much like Gaza, stands on the brink of greater devastation, as the specter of a long and brutal war haunts the region.
