The fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified since the 7 October attacks just over a year ago. Twelve months have passed since the attack, and the war in the Middle East has intensified into three parties: the IDF in Israel, the terrorist-labeled Shia militia Hezbollah in Lebanon and the terrorist-labeled group Hamas in Gaza.
2. The pager attacks and the death of the Hezbollah leader
In mid-September, pagers claimed to belong to members of the armed group Hezbollah exploded in Lebanon. A day later, new explosions took place – this time it was through walkie-talkies that were blown up.
A short time later, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli attack on Beirut.
3. The military situation escalates
Since the death of the Hezbollah leader, attacks between Israel and Hezbollah have increased. Israel has entered with ground troops in southern and southwestern Lebanon and the death toll is increasing every day. The IDF says it fired rockets from Lebanon at Israel. Aircraft alarms have sounded over almost all of Israel, including Tel Aviv. Some of the rockets have been stopped by the Israeli air defense and the rest have fallen in open areas.
4. Cease-fire attempts have failed – many civilian casualties
The US has tried to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, but neither side has agreed to it. Over 90,000 people to flee their homes in Lebanon, according to AP. Many flee from the southern parts of the country, where Hezbollah is strongest, to safer areas.
5. Risk of regional escalation
The conflict risks spreading further in the region. Both Israel and the US fear that Hezbollah and Iran will draw more actors into the fighting, which could lead to a larger war in the Middle East.