Hezbollah Prepares for Extended Conflict as Israel Targets Infrastructure

Hezbollah has announced its readiness for a prolonged confrontation with Israel, following significant threats from the Israeli government to increase damage to Lebanese infrastructure. This escalation comes after Hezbollah’s recent attacks on Israel, which were reportedly in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes.

In a televised address on Friday, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated, “We have prepared ourselves for a long confrontation, and God willing, they (Israelis) will be surprised on the battlefield.” He emphasized the gravity of the conflict, describing it as an “existential battle,” rather than a limited skirmish.

Israeli forces have already begun targeting critical infrastructure in Lebanon. On the same day, they destroyed a bridge over the Litani River, connecting the towns of Zrariyeh and Tayr Falsay. According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, this bridge was deemed a “key crossing” for Hezbollah, facilitating movement between northern and southern Lebanon. The Israeli military confirmed this attack, marking the first acknowledged strike on Lebanese public infrastructure since the conflict escalated.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Lebanon would face an “increasing price” for its support of Hezbollah, stating, “This is just the beginning and the Lebanese government and the state of Lebanon will pay an increasing price in damage to Lebanese national infrastructure used by Hezbollah terrorists.” He added that Lebanon would experience “loss of territory” until it disarms Hezbollah.

Despite the rising tensions, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed a willingness to negotiate directly with Israel earlier this week. However, he reported on Friday that he had not received any response. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned the Lebanese government against allowing Hezbollah to operate freely, warning them that they are “playing with fire.”

On the ground, Israeli airstrikes have intensified in southern Lebanon, targeting roads and disrupting access from the north of the Litani River, which Hezbollah reportedly uses to transport weapons. The Lebanese health ministry reported a tragic incident in the village of Miyeh w Miyeh, where airstrikes killed eight individuals, including children. One local resident, Mohammad Taqi, mourned the loss of his four daughters, aged six to 13, who died in a recent strike. He lamented the destruction of his family, questioning the nature of the infrastructure being targeted.

The humanitarian situation is also deteriorating. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire during his visit to Beirut on Friday, appealing to both Hezbollah and Israel to “stop the war.” He launched a humanitarian appeal for $325 million to assist Lebanon in dealing with the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people affected by the conflict.

The ongoing Israeli strikes have led to additional casualties, including two paramedics killed in a separate incident in Sawaneh. The health ministry confirmed that one of the paramedics was affiliated with the Hezbollah-linked Islamic Health Committee, while the other was part of the Amal movement, Hezbollah’s ally.

In a show of force, Hezbollah launched its own attacks against Israeli forces, framing these actions as part of a Quds Day operation, which supports the Palestinian cause. Concurrently, Israeli military operations have included renewed evacuation warnings in southern Lebanon, expanding the evacuation zone to over 40 kilometers from the Lebanon-Israel border.

Israeli aircraft have also dropped leaflets over Beirut, urging the Lebanese people to disarm Hezbollah, declaring, “Lebanon is your decision, not someone else’s.” As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, with calls for urgent dialogue and de-escalation becoming increasingly important amidst the rising toll on civilian lives.