On Wednesday, the Chief of the Israeli Defense Forces informed the troops that they will continue airstrikes on Lebanon to destroy Hezbollah’s infrastructure and prepare for potential ground operations by the Israeli army.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council in New York on Wednesday, stating that the risk of escalation in the Middle East conflict is “very serious.” Washington and its allies are working tirelessly to prevent a full-scale war between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, allied with Iran.
Blinken emphasized that “diplomacy is the best answer, and our coordinated efforts are crucial to preventing further escalation.”
Israel expanded its airstrikes in Lebanon on Wednesday and reported shooting down a missile launched by Hezbollah. Hezbollah claimed the missile targeted an Israeli intelligence agency in or near Tel Aviv, intensifying the conflict between the two archenemies.
According to a tweet by the Israeli Defense Forces on the social media platform X, Major General Herzi Halevi, the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, told Israeli soldiers on the Lebanon border, “You hear the sound of fighter jets above, we have been attacking all day.”
Halevi stated, “This is both in preparation for a possible ground attack by you and to continue to weaken Hezbollah. Hezbollah has expanded its firepower today, they will face a very strong response shortly. Be prepared.”
It is currently unclear whether these comments are real signs of an imminent ground attack or pressure on Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah to cease fire and withdraw forces from the border area.
On Wednesday, two Israeli reserve brigades were called to the border, and earlier in the day, Northern Command chief Ori Gordin stated that the forces “must be fully prepared for exercises and operations.”
Gordin announced that Israel will allow thousands of residents evacuated from the northern border areas to return home.
He told soldiers that to achieve this goal, they would step into enemy territory. He added that Hezbollah has prepared large military outposts with underground infrastructure, assembly points, and launch pads.
Lebanon’s Health Minister reported that the Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday resulted in at least 51 deaths and 223 injuries.
Meanwhile, the US and France are striving to reach a temporary agreement to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah to facilitate broader diplomatic negotiations.
Various proposals are being considered at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides stated, “I don’t think we can reach a (comprehensive) agreement, but we can reach a temporary agreement to avoid further escalation.”
Christodoulides confirmed that he had discussions during the UN General Assembly with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and French President Macron, as well as a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
According to Reuters, details of the agreement are being finalized at the UN General Assembly in New York by two Lebanese officials, two Western diplomats, an individual familiar with Hezbollah’s thinking, and an insider.
Three Israeli officials have indicated French involvement in the ceasefire proposal efforts but as of now, no significant progress has been made.
Sources mentioned that this marks the first time the US has linked both fronts in diplomatic efforts.
A Lebanese senior official, an individual familiar with Hezbollah’s thinking, and a negotiator familiar with the discussions revealed that the agreement could potentially lead to Hamas releasing the hostages captured during the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7 last year, which sparked hostilities across the region.
Another Lebanese official stated, “Without presenting a comprehensive plan, you cannot reach an agreement, and the war will not stop.”
President Biden stated on ABC’s “The View” that “a full-scale war is possible, but I think there’s also a chance—we still have a chance for a resolution that fundamentally changes the entire region.”