Intensifying Israeli Strikes in South Lebanon: Hezbollah Transfers Blame to Government

South Lebanon is facing heightened Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah, with significant casualties reported. Hezbollah has remained silent militarily while attributing responsibility to the Lebanese government. Analysts suggest this is a strategy to evade accountability. MP Hussein Hajj Hassan has called for government transparency regarding the occupation and the implications of American support for Israel.

South Lebanon has recently experienced a significant escalation of Israeli military actions, with the most intense airstrikes occurring since the February 18 deadline for Israeli withdrawal. A notable airstrike on Saturday targeted a vehicle, resulting in one fatality and one injury. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee indicated that an Israeli Air Force drone specifically targeted a Hezbollah operative responsible for reestablishing terrorist infrastructure within the region. He affirmed that Israel’s operations would persist to mitigate threats and prevent Hezbollah’s resurgence.

Reports from Lebanon’s National News Agency reveal that Israeli warplanes have conducted extensive flights over areas including Nabatieh and Iqlim al-Tuffah. These operations followed over 20 heavy strikes on Friday night, impacting various southern Lebanese towns, including Mount Rihan and Sidon. The Israeli military acknowledged attacks on Hezbollah installations, claiming to have identified weapons storages and rocket launch sites that are perceived as threats to Israel.

In light of these developments, Hezbollah has opted for a strategy of “military silence,” opting to hold the Lebanese government accountable for the current situation. MP Hussein Hajj Hassan reiterated this stance, effectively shifting focus away from Hezbollah’s actions. Riad Kahwaji, head of the Middle East and Gulf Military Analysis Center, noted this as a tactic to evade accountability among Hezbollah’s supporters. He opined that such a move distracts from Hezbollah’s strategy, which has led to substantial destruction and civilian casualties.

Kahwaji further suggested that Hezbollah may soon argue that any resolution necessitates retaining its armament and looking towards Iranian financial support—currently constrained—to facilitate reconstruction initiatives. MP Hussein Hajj Hassan, during a ceremony honoring a deceased fighter, emphasized the presence of at least five occupied points along the Lebanese border and a declared Israeli “security strip.” He stressed the need for the Lebanese government to address pressing public inquiries regarding the prolonged occupation and the appropriate course of action amidst perceived American complicity with Israeli aggression.

In summary, the recent Israeli airstrikes in South Lebanon mark a significant escalation in military tensions, during which Hezbollah has refrained from responding militarily and has instead shifted blame to the Lebanese government. Analysts argue that Hezbollah is adopting this strategy to avoid criticism and redirect attention from its failures. Consequently, the dynamics between Israel, Hezbollah, and the Lebanese state become increasingly complicated, with urgent calls for governmental accountability amidst growing public concern over national security.

Original Source: english.aawsat.com