Donald Trump’s victory on the 6th gave new impetus to the parallel Israeli invasion of Lebanon and Gaza, where dozens of deaths are counted every day. With the possibility of a ceasefire as a dream of times past and awaiting a replacement in the White House, Israel has brought the incursion into southern Lebanon into a new phase, already penetrating what has been defined as the “second line ” defense of Hezbollah. Meanwhile, the air and naval forces are responsible for the most intense bombing in recent weeks in other parts of the country: more targets, more areas and several hits per day in Dahiye, the southern suburb of Beirut, something unprecedented. On the deadliest day of the week, Tuesday, the death toll reached 78. Thursday 59.
One such attack killed Mohamed Afif, Hezbollah’s media chief, this Sunday, as acknowledged by the group and the Israeli military shortly before midnight. He was the voice of the militia party in press conferences (he had already quickly abandoned one last month for fear of being assassinated by Israel) and the one who led the tours to journalists, especially since the beginning of the war. He was an advisor to Hasan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah for three decades, assassinated by Israel last September, and directed Al Manar, the television channel of the Shiite militia party. The Israeli military calls him “chief propagandist” in their statement and accuses him of “direct involvement in Hezbollah’s terrorist activities.”
Mohamed Afif, the Hezbollah media official killed this Sunday in an Israeli attack in Beirut (Lebanon), in an archive image from last October.Mohamed Azakir (REUTERS)
The Israeli military authorities did not warn the population in advance to evacuate, as they usually do when they launch one of the so-called targeted killings. Another fact is also unusual: it was a civil accusation. The majority of leaders killed by Israel belong to the armed wing. It was also the case in Ras el Nabaa, a neighborhood of Beirut that is absorbing numerous Shiites displaced from the most punished areas. It was the first attack in more than a month in the center of the capital, which occurred at dawn shrouded in a curtain of smoke due to the intense bombing of recent days in the suburbs. At the end of the day there was another one, in Mar Elías, which caused two deaths. Even without warning. The Ministry of Education has canceled in-person lessons for the next two days in several areas of the country, including the capital.
36 Lebanese soldiers killed
Against this backdrop, Israeli troops reached their deepest point in Lebanon on Saturday, where they are advancing slowly (partly due to the resistance they encounter, despite Hezbollah’s weakness) and blowing up entire cities. The Lebanese militia itself also extended its attacks, targeting the city of Haifa (Israel’s third largest) for three consecutive days.
One of the attacks killed two soldiers of the Lebanese army, which tries to stay out of the conflict (it cannot and does not want to be involved), but which, according to initial data, has already lost 36 soldiers to Israeli fire. minister of the country, Najib Mikati. They were at a checkpoint when the bullet hit them, also wounding two of their companions.
It is the result of Israel’s intensification in recent days of the war dynamics that apply to both Gaza and Lebanon. How to target healthcare workers and firefighters, including those of the State Civil Protection. On Thursday, in the Becá valley, it killed 15 people in a single specific attack. On another, the same day, four more. There are already over 200, around 6% of the corpses present in Lebanon since October 2023, when Hezbollah started a low-intensity clash (the day after the Hamas attack in Israel) which Israel transformed almost a year later into a open war that left 3,481 dead and 14,786 injured in Lebanon, and displaced more than a million people.
Meanwhile, in northern Gaza, the dynamic consists of the expulsion of the population accompanied by a siege, the use of hunger as a weapon of war and bombings that cause massacres that are no longer an exception in 13 months of war. The latest, in the early hours of this Sunday. A missile killed dozens of people when it hit a residential building in Beit Lahiya, leaving images of people pulling bodies from the rubble.
Emergency services estimate there were up to 70 people in the destroyed building. The Ministry of Health of the Hamas government in Gaza estimates the death toll at 72. The Israeli military generally reported attacks on “terrorist targets” in Beit Lahiya in the early hours and announced the deaths of two of its soldiers in attacks on redoubts. of the militiamen present in the area, who use urban guerrilla tactics.
Israeli attacks on those who monitor humanitarian aid are also common. This Sunday, an attack in Khan Yunis (on the other side of the Strip) killed five members of the security team guarding one of the convoys. It was then looted by the Palestinians.
What are the implications of Israel’s military strategy on civilian populations in the current conflict?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Conflict Analyst
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. The situation in Lebanon and Gaza has escalated dramatically, particularly following Donald Trump’s recent electoral victory. What are the implications of this development on the ground?
Conflict Analyst: Thank you for having me. Trump’s victory has certainly shifted the dynamics in the region. It appears to provide Israel with a renewed impetus to intensify its military operations, as seen with the recent incursions into southern Lebanon and increased bombings across different areas. This perceived backing could embolden Israel to act more aggressively without immediate concern about international intervention or pressure.
Time.news Editor: We’ve seen reports of unprecedented bombings and high civilian death tolls. Can you elaborate on the military strategy being employed by Israel here?
Conflict Analyst: Absolutely. The Israeli military is operating under a new phase where they have penetrated what’s described as Hezbollah’s “second line” of defense. The scale and intensity of their bombings are unprecedented, with multiple daily attacks targeting areas like Dahiye, a southern suburb of Beirut. The focus seems to be not only destroying military assets but also instilling fear within the civilian population.
Time.news Editor: One critical development was the assassination of Hezbollah’s media chief, Mohamed Afif. What does this signify in the context of the conflict?
Conflict Analyst: Afif’s assassination marks a significant escalation in Israel’s strategy. Unlike previous operations targeting military leaders, this was an attack on a figure closely associated with Hezbollah’s communication and propaganda efforts. It reflects Israel’s intent to dismantle Hezbollah’s narrative and destabilize their messaging. His death is a blow to the group, especially since he was a prominent spokesperson and advisor to the leadership.
Time.news Editor: It’s noted that civilian warnings were lacking in this recent attack. Why might Israel have chosen not to inform the local population beforehand, as they typically do?
Conflict Analyst: This is indeed unusual and raises several questions. Generally, Israel provides warnings to civilians to minimize casualties during targeted strikes. The absence of such warnings indicates a shift in operational tactics, suggesting either a desire for a psychological impact or an underestimation of civilian presence in the area. It reflects a broader strategy focused purely on military objectives without the usual constraints of civilian protection.
Time.news Editor: With the ongoing attacks, how has the Lebanese military responded, especially given their attempts to stay neutral in this conflict?
Conflict Analyst: The Lebanese military finds itself in a precarious position. Despite their efforts to remain uninvolved, they have already suffered casualties, including the recent deaths of 36 soldiers. This could create internal pressure to respond or engage, which complicates the situation further. The Lebanese army’s mandate is to maintain order, but as Israeli operations intensify, they may be drawn deeper into the conflict.
Time.news Editor: As we look ahead, what are the prospects for a ceasefire or de-escalation in this conflict?
Conflict Analyst: Given the current trajectory, a ceasefire seems more like a distant dream. Hostilities are escalating, and without a significant shift in political dynamics, both on the ground and internationally, we may witness further violence in the foreseeable future. A change in leadership in the U.S. could eventually alter Israel’s approach, but for now, the focus seems firmly on military objectives rather than diplomatic resolutions.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights. The situation remains complex and fluid, and our thoughts are with all those affected by the ongoing violence. We will continue to monitor the developments closely.
Conflict Analyst: Thank you for highlighting this critical issue. Stay safe and informed.