Two Israeli officials said the terror organization is also attempting to influence Lebanon’s internal political dynamics.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Israel signaled it will not withdraw from positions facing Hezbollah in Lebanon as officials assess that the Iran-backed group is preparing for a prolonged confrontation, according to reporting by The Jerusalem Post.
Defense Minister Israel Katz delivered the warning Monday during a visit to Northern Command, saying Israel intends to respond decisively to ongoing attacks from Lebanon.
“Not only will we not withdraw in the face of Hezbollah, but we will seize the opportunity to strike it,” Katz said.
Later Monday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened senior security officials and Katz for consultations on the war with Iran and the continuing hostilities on the Lebanese front.
The discussions come as rocket fire toward northern Israel and anti-tank missile strikes on Israel Defense Forces positions along the border have continued in recent days, The Jerusalem Post reported.
Israeli officials told the newspaper that the pattern of attacks has led them to conclude Hezbollah is preparing for an extended conflict.
Israeli officials and foreign diplomats have been debating the group’s motives. One question circulating among them is: “What is the terrorist organization trying to achieve with this move, which seems completely illogical?”
A Western diplomat cited by the newspaper said Hezbollah may believe it has reached a point where escalation is unavoidable.
“In light of Iran’s weakening, the removal of members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps from Lebanon, and the blocking of financial transfers to Hezbollah, the organization feels it has reached a point where it must act,” the diplomat said.
Two Israeli officials said the terror organization is also attempting to influence Lebanon’s internal political dynamics.
According to those officials, Hezbollah is demonstrating its capabilities in part to discourage the Lebanese government from taking steps against it.
The same officials said the group may also be attempting to pressure Israel to withdraw from a line of Israeli military positions located inside Lebanese territory.
At the same time, Lebanese officials have been discussing the possibility of diplomatic engagement with Israel. However, a source cited by The Jerusalem Post said the United States has reacted negatively to the idea.
According to the source, Washington believes Lebanon has not acted firmly enough against Hezbollah and is therefore, at least for now, “pouring cold water” on the Lebanese proposal.
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