Israel Warns Iran-Backed Hezbollah Of 'Destroying' Lebanon If It Gets Involved In Conflict

A recent clash between Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant organisation, and the Israeli armed forces in northern Israel has triggered concerns of a potential expansion of the ongoing conflict in Gaza to other regions.

Reports indicate that Israel has issued a stern warning of 'destroying' Lebanon should Hezbollah, supported by Iran, become involved in the ongoing conflict.

Several analysts have highlighted the looming prospect of an Israeli ground operation in the northern Gaza Strip, which could escalate the involvement of various regional actors, potentially including Hezbollah and Iran.

This escalation raises apprehensions about a broader regional conflict.

Amidst these developments, more than a million individuals have evacuated their homes in the Gaza Strip, anticipating an Israeli retaliatory strike aimed at eliminating Hamas's leadership after their lethal incursion.

However, aid groups caution that an Israeli ground offensive could exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Despite a week of intense airstrikes, neighbourhoods have been reduced to rubble, but the attacks have not effectively halted militant rocket fire into Israel.

The ongoing conflict, commencing on 7 October, has evolved into the deadliest confrontation in Gaza, resulting in over 4,000 casualties on both sides.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported 2,750 Palestinians killed and 9,700 wounded, while Israel has suffered more than 1,400 casualties, with at least 199 individuals, including children, captured by Hamas.

Iran's foreign minister has called upon Israel to cease its Gaza attacks, warning that the war could escalate to other parts of the Middle East if Hezbollah becomes involved, posing a significant threat to Israel.

Hezbollah, viewed as Israel's most imminent adversary, possesses a substantial arsenal of rockets and missiles, including precision-guided variants capable of striking anywhere in Israel.

The group's battle-hardened fighters, with extensive experience from Syria's prolonged conflict, remain on high alert along Lebanon's borders with Israel since the recent attack by Hamas, underscoring the delicate regional situation.