With Israel fighting on several battlefields, the mood in the country remains somber yet determined

In response to the 181 ballistic missiles Iran fired at Israel 26 days ago, the Israeli Air Force delivered a measured yet substantial message: Over 100 planes in three coordinated waves attacked military targets in Iran. The first wave knocked out a large proportion of Iran’s anti-aircraft systems, leaving much of the country’s assets defenseless against the second and third waves, and any to follow should Iran choose to retaliate. Among the systems destroyed were those protecting Iran’s oil industry — a major source of income for the country’s flailing economy. The message is clear: we’ve not attacked your oil industry this time around, but any further attacks from you put that industry in danger. The second and third waves attacked and destroyed ballistic missile launchers, fuel mixers, essential for the deployment of ballistic missiles and difficult to replace and facilities in which drones and ballistic missiles are manufactured and stored.

It will take at least one to two years for Iran to replace, set up and have running replacements for the now defunct fuel mixers, forcing the country to economize in the use of its remaining stock of fueled missiles. It is estimated that about 80% of Iran’s missile manufacturing capacity was knocked out. All of its most advanced anti-aircraft batteries, the Russian-made S-300, were destroyed, including those defending sensitive economic and nuclear facilities. Russia is likely to be slow to replace them due to its need to defend against Ukraine’s attacks on Russia and on the Russian forces in Ukraine. On the other hand, the destruction of Iran’s manufacturing facilities affects its ability to attack Israel as well as supply Russia.

Iran has vowed to retaliate. It remains to be seen if it does. The regime’s effort to persuade the Iranian population that Israel’s attack failed and that no significant damage was incurred is unconvincing. In this day of access to the Internet, it is hard to hide the truth. Satellite images prove the contrary, and many in the country heard the explosions and saw the fires that broke out. Yet the very attempt may be the harbinger of the regime’s effort to justify taking no action. So far, although Iranian statements are increasingly belligerent, they are likewise often ambivalent. In any case, Israel is preparing for the eventuality of an additional Iranian attack while warning that, should Iran carry out its threats, Israel’s response will be all the fiercer. Iran’s major industries are vulnerable and Israel has proven its ability to conduct pinpoint attacks.

Lebanon

Israel continues to attack Hezbollah assets throughout Lebanon. In south Lebanon, bordering Israel, Hezbollah transformed whole villages into military posts, weapons and munition dumps, attack positions, launch pad areas and middle-range missile hideaways. The area was riddled with underground military facilities in which weapons, uniforms and ammunition were carefully packed, each tagged with the name of a militant. Food, water and facilities necessary for a convenient stay of 2-3 weeks were also prepared — everything in readiness for an attack on the farms, villages and cities in Israel’s north. All these within the range of up to five miles from Israel’s border are now destroyed. Israel is now focusing on Hexbollah’s economic assets such as its banks and large fuel storage tanks. Efforts by Iran to resupply Hezbollah via convoys that cross through Iraq and Syria are stymied by Israeli attacks.

Hezbollah turned Lebanon into a failed State while structuring itself to be better armed than the Lebanese military, garnering the kind of political power that rendered Lebanon subservient to Hezbollah’s interests, which were subservient to those of Iran. Now that the organization is severely weakened, political life in Lebanon is stirring and there is the possibility that the country will be able to shake off Hezbollah’s loosening grip. Negotiations are afoot that may well resolve into an agreement that will accord Lebanon renewed independence and Israel renewed security on its northern border.

The newly appointed leader of Hezbollah, Naim Kassem, insists his organization will nor yield to Israel’s pressure or to that exerted by the international community and has threatened to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In one attempt to carry out the threat, a drone hit the fortified window of Mr. Netanyahu’s bedroom in his personal residence. The window withstood the blast and, at the time, the house was vacant.

Gaza

Israeli troops once again cleared sections of northern Gaza of Hamas militants, including the 600 taken prisoner and the 250 killed. A hospital in northern Gaza was meant to provide Hamas with cover, much to the chagrin of the hospital staff. Scores of those captured are killed were positioned in the hospital.

A good deal of the humanitarian aid brought into Gaza is looted by Hamas. As a result, some 700 loaded trucks await at the border with Gaza until some kind of security can be provided. Israel’s Defense Forces, fighting on seven fronts, do not have the resources to provide protection all the way to and at the distribution centers. The UN Work and Relief Agency (UNWRA) is riddled with Hamas militants, for which reason Israel refuses to work with it and, in fact, has legislated against any such cooperation. The international community must find some other means to ensure the efficient distribution of aid to those truly in need and in ways that prohibit Hamas from looting it as soon as it enters Gaza.

Renewed negotiations for the release of the 101 abductees still held in Gaza offer little hope. Hamas insists upon a complete cessation of hostilities, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and the continuance of its rule over the Strip. Israel has no intention to remain in Gaza are to perpetually continue hostilities, but will not concede to Hamas’ continued rule, nor to the possibility of its rearmament. Some efforts are now being made to obtain the release of women, wounded and elderly abductees in exchange for an extended ceasefire.

In Israel

Life in Israel continues with the new normal. The north and sought of the country are repeatedly targeted by missiles, rockets and drones. Consequently, sirens often wail and people rush to find shelter. School is conducted in smaller groups and on condition that a fortified shelter is close by. Needless to say, the economy is affected. Hundreds of thousands are enlisted and the costs of a modern war are very high. Tourism — a major industry — is at a standstill. Ships and cargo planes are reticent to make their way to Israel, causing a drop in exports and a lack of imported goods. The mood in the country remains somber yet determined.

This article originally appeared on www.themaozweb.com and is reposted with permission.