By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stark warning to the people of Lebanon, urging them to distance themselves from Hezbollah or face "destruction and suffering like we see in Gaza." His remarks came as Israel intensifies its military operations in southern Lebanon, with additional troops entering new combat zones in response to Hezbollah’s continued rocket assaults on northern Israel.
Netanyahu’s message followed Israel’s decision to send thousands of additional troops into southwestern Lebanon, expanding its invasion which began in late September. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been targeting Hezbollah strongholds, focusing on dismantling rocket-launching compounds and combat infrastructure. On Monday alone, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed 50 Hezbollah fighters, while Lebanese officials confirmed the deaths of 36 civilians in the last 24 hours, with 150 more injured. Netanyahu's warning is a clear appeal to Lebanese civilians to reject Hezbollah's influence, framing the group as the root cause of their suffering. “Free your country from Hezbollah so that this war can end,” he urged in a video address. However, Hezbollah’s leadership has remained defiant despite the heavy casualties and damage inflicted by Israel’s ongoing operations.
As the conflict continues to escalate, Hezbollah has intensified its rocket attacks on Israeli cities. For the third consecutive day, rockets struck the Israeli port city of Haifa, injuring 12 people. The recent barrage also targeted the Galilee region, though the IDF claimed that most of the rockets were intercepted by their missile defense systems. In southern Lebanon, Israeli forces have taken control of strategic Hezbollah compounds, including a heavily fortified base in the border village of Maroun al-Ras. Drone footage released by the IDF shows widespread destruction across villages like Yaroun, further emphasizing the scale of the offensive.
The humanitarian impact of the conflict in Lebanon has become catastrophic. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, more than 1,400 people have been killed since the conflict began, with an additional 1.2 million displaced. Many have sought shelter in makeshift camps in Beirut, while others have fled into neighboring Syria, further straining the region’s already fragile refugee system. The World Food Programme has expressed "extraordinary concern" over Lebanon's food security, as thousands of hectares of farmland have been destroyed or abandoned. With both the economic and social fabric of the country severely impacted, the long-term consequences for Lebanon are becoming increasingly dire.
Hezbollah’s leadership, including Deputy Leader Naim Qassem, has remained steadfast in its resolve. Despite the losses inflicted by Israeli strikes, Qassem declared that Hezbollah's capabilities remain intact. “We are hurting them and we will prolong the time,” he said, referring to ongoing missile attacks on Israel. While he affirmed support for a potential ceasefire, Qassem’s latest remarks made no mention of Gaza, hinting at a possible shift in Hezbollah’s position on the wider conflict.
As Israel and Hezbollah continue their fierce exchanges, it is clear that both sides are preparing for a prolonged and destructive conflict, leaving Lebanon and its people caught in the middle.
