Hezbollah aggression brings region to brink of ‘wider escalation,’ IDF warns as US envoy arrives

Escalation on Lebanese border garners increased attention and calls for calm

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In a rare English-language statement to the foreign media on Sunday, the IDF warned that “Hezbollah’s increasing aggression is bringing us to the brink of what could be a wider escalation.”

IDF spokesman Brig.-Gen. Daniel Hagari said this “could have devastating consequences for Lebanon and the entire region.”

The statement came shortly before U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein flew to the region to continue efforts at a diplomatic solution. He is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday before continuing to Beirut on Tuesday.

Over recent weeks, Hezbollah has sharply escalated the near-daily attacks against Israel it has been carrying out since Oct. 8 of last year.

Last week alone, the Lebanese terror group responded to the elimination of one of its senior commanders by launching a 215-rocket barrage at Israel, before attacking several IDF posts simultaneously, and hitting a strategic IDF base.

Hezbollah's escalation of attacks have led to increased calls from northern Israel residents, as well as right-wing and opposition politicians, for the government to take decisive action to change the situation on the northern border, including declaring war on Hezbollah if necessary.

“Since deciding to join the war that Hamas started on October 7th - Hezbollah has fired over 5,000 rockets; anti-tank missiles and explosive UAVs from Lebanon at Israeli families, homes, and communities,” Hagari noted in his statement.

“Hezbollah is jeopardizing the future of Lebanon – so that it can be a shield for Hamas. A shield for the Hamas terrorists who murdered the elderly, raped women, burned children and kidnapped Jews, Muslims, and Christians – during their massacre on October 7th.”

“Because of Hezbollah's refusal to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 1701 – because of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure; weapons and fire at Israel from the area south of the Litani River in southern Lebanon – and because of Lebanon's failure to enforce 1701 on Hezbollah – Israel will take the necessary measures to protect its civilians – until security along our border with Lebanon is restored.”

“One way or another – we will ensure the safe and secure return of Israelis to their homes in Northern Israel. That is not up for negotiation.

“October 7th cannot happen again – on any one of Israel’s borders. Israel has a duty to defend the people of Israel. We will fulfill that duty – at all costs,” Hagari stated.

The escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have garnered increasing attention worldwide, as the war in Gaza appears to be slowly winding down.

On Friday, U.S. officials told CBS News that the Biden administration is concerned that the conflict between the IDF and Hezbollah could turn into a regional conflict, potentially drawing in U.S. forces.

Last Friday, the leaders of the G7 nations also stated they were “particularly concerned” with the current situation between Israel and Hezbollah at the end of their summit in Italy.

On Saturday, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and the head of the UNIFIL mission stationed along the border called on “all actors” to “put down their weapons and commit to a path of peace.”

“We are deeply concerned about the escalation we have seen recently. The danger of miscalculation leading to a sudden and wider conflict is very real, and we continue to engage with the parties and urge all actors to cease their fire and commit to working toward a political and diplomatic solution - which is the only lasting solution,” according to the statement.