Senior Israeli officials have warned that the IDF may soon decide whether to launch a major offensive against the Hezbollah terror organization in Lebanon after months of escalating clashes, The Washington Post reported.
The current round of conflict began following the Oct. 7 onslaught after Hezbollah launched missiles into Israeli territory in an unprovoked attack. Tensions have since risen to their highest point since the 2006 Lebanon War.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi have suggested Israel is prepared to take decisive military action to restore security in the north. Netanyahu vowed to achieve this "one way or another," while Halevi said the army was ready for an offensive after training. Another cabinet minister, Benny Gantz, pledged the hostilities would be dealt with by summer's end through either diplomacy or military escalation.
Despite initiating the current round of hostilities, Hezbollah has stated it does not want full-blown war but is ready for one if imposed. Its deputy leader said their decision is not to widen the conflict but added that "if it is imposed on us, we are ready for it." Hezbollah has also said no deal can happen before a ceasefire in Gaza.
The US and its allies have pushed for months for an agreement to demarcate the border, move Hezbollah back, and increase the Lebanese army's presence.
