Title: Escalation in Northern Border Linked to Gaza Strip Conflict, Says IDF
The recent escalation of violence in the northern border is not by chance, with IDF forces moving closer to Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip while facing increased tensions with Hezbollah, according to military officials. The shooting towards Haifa Bay on the northern border is seen as another degree of escalation with Hezbollah, amidst claims by the group that Israeli forces had killed Lebanese civilians. While Hezbollah’s claim may hold some truth, it is apparent that the IDF fired at a vehicle suspected of carrying Hezbollah operatives who were planning to launch an anti-tank missile.
The ongoing situation in Gaza is directly linked to the escalation on the northern front. Reports from Lebanon indicate that the rockets fired were carried out by Hamas Lebanon, a proxy of Hezbollah. This tactic aims to escalate the confrontation with Israel while evading responsibility. Israel must not accept this game, as Hezbollah is the entity directing and coordinating the campaign on the northern front, using other groups like Hamas to carry out attacks.
The relationship between Hezbollah and the Lebanese branch of Hamas is a clear proxy partnership operating under the Iranian umbrella. Hezbollah provides funding, military personnel, and training to Hamas in Lebanon. The improvement in Hamas’ capabilities originates from the support received from Hezbollah and Iran.
The end of the civil war in Syria has strengthened the cooperation between Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas in Gaza, allowing Hamas to strengthen its terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon with Hezbollah’s support. Palestinian terrorist organizations, including Islamic Jihad, have been operating jointly with Hezbollah, targeting Israeli territory with anti-tank missiles and other attacks.
In response to these developments, Israel must treat Hezbollah as the entity responsible for the attacks and not fall into the trap of Hamas’ proxy games. The Israeli Air Force is expected to focus its response against the Lebanese Hamas terrorist infrastructure while also addressing Hezbollah’s actions. This will be an opportunity for Israel to severely damage Hamas’ infrastructure in Lebanon.
As IDF forces advance towards Shifa Hospital in Gaza, they face numerous terrorist targets and a complex urban environment. Fighting inside a city with tall buildings and civilians requires different strategies compared to rural combat. Despite the heavy costs, the IDF has made impressive progress with the support of the Air Force and tactical intelligence.
The battle for Gaza City, marked by tall buildings, underground tunnel networks, and the use of civilians as human shields, is expected to be historic and decisive in defeating Hamas. The IDF acknowledges the challenges posed by the threat of tunnels and anti-tank attacks but remains confident that their superiority will ultimately prevail.
In the coming days, the IDF will face the real test in this battle for the heart of Gaza City, a significant step towards defeating Hamas in the future. The differences in strength and capabilities will ultimately determine the outcome, making this battle of great importance for the IDF.