The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated sharply, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to continue “full-force” strikes against Lebanon. This announcement followed the killing of senior Hezbollah commander Mohammed Hussein Surour in a precise Israeli strike in Beirut.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s resolve: “We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with full force, and we will not stop until we reach all our goals. Chief among them is ensuring the secure return of the residents of the north to their homes.”
This statement has dampened hopes for a proposed 21-day ceasefire being pushed by US and European officials. US Mideast envoy Brett McGurk and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have been involved in discussions to broker the truce, but Netanyahu’s hardline response has stymied progress.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib appealed to the UN for an immediate ceasefire, warning that the situation now threatens Lebanon’s very existence.
On Thursday, Israel announced that its strike had killed Hezbollah drone commander Mohammed Hussein Surour. The attack resulted in two deaths and 15 injuries, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched more than 45 rockets into northern Israel, though all missiles were intercepted or landed in unpopulated areas.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, speaking in London, expressed concern over the rising risk of all-out war in the region but remained hopeful for a diplomatic solution. “Israel and Lebanon can choose a different path… a diplomatic solution is still viable,” Austin stated.
The hostilities have led to severe humanitarian consequences, with nearly 700 people killed in Lebanon this week alone in Israeli strikes. Over 90,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon, adding to the total of 200,000 since the conflict began.
Israel continues its extensive airstrikes, targeting Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, including munitions storage facilities and missile launch sites. In response, Hezbollah has vowed to continue its “battle without limits.”
