Jerusalem/Panjab Post
In the aftermath of a tragic rocket strike that claimed the lives of 12 children and teenagers in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Israel is navigating its response with caution. Officials from Israel have indicated a desire to target Hezbollah, the Lebanese group they hold responsible, while steering clear of sparking a wider conflict in the region.
“We want to hurt Hezbollah but not drag West Asia into all-out war,” stated two Israeli officials on Monday. This sentiment comes amidst Lebanon bracing for potential retaliation following the incident at a sports field in a Druze town.
Despite Israel’s readiness for several days of potential hostilities, diplomatic sources emphasized that their response is not geared towards triggering a full-scale war. “That would not be in our interest at this point,” stated the diplomatic source.
The recent escalation has raised concerns about the potential for broader conflict, as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have reached their most critical point since the 2006 war. Israel’s security cabinet has authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to determine the timing and nature of their response to the attack in Majdal Shams.
Prompted by ongoing hostilities and recent developments in Gaza, Israel and Hezbollah find themselves at a crossroads, navigating a delicate balance to prevent further escalation in the region.
