Hezbollah’s Assault on Israel Explained (video, 4:05)

Compiled by Aidan New

On October 8, 2023, Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets at northern Israel that escalated tensions in the region and prompted a substantial increase in the IDF presence along the border with Lebanon. It was not the first instance of such hostilities, however, as both sides have a long history of conflict, including the Second Lebanon War in 2006. This current round of fighting has displaced 60,000 Israelis, with no immediate end to the hostilities in sight. The ongoing violence continues to harm Israeli society and deepen the instability of the region.

Hezbollah’s Deadly Rockets Have Disrupted Israeli Society

Israel ignored Hezbollah’s provocations on the border for years leading up to October 7th. After the attacks by Hamas that, Hezbollah launched more than 8,000 rockets, missiles and artillery shells over the next 11 months. The almost daily bombardment has not only disrupted daily life, but also damaged at least 10% of the houses along the border.

Hezbollah Has Made Life Unbearable

The daily barrage from Hezbollah has altered everyday life in the north of Israel. Local industries, including tourism, have come to a standstill, while residents who haven’t evacuated live in constant fear of attacks and potential invasion.

• Life in northern Israel: https://nationalpost.com/opinion/heres-what-its-like-living-under-hezbollahs-constant-attacks#:~:text=July%204%2C%202024

Israelis Can’t Return While Hezbollah Remains

Hezbollah’s armed presence in southern Lebanon, in violation of U.N. resolutions, has forced Israelis to abandon towns and kibbutzim in the north. They can’t return while Hezbollah remains so close on the other side of the border.

• Over 40% of residents won’t return to Israel’s northern towns: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240528-over-40-of-residents-wont-return-to-israels-northern-towns
• What the Lebanese say: https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/criticism-of-hezbollah-in-lebanon-and-objections-to-the-war-with-israel

Conclusion

As violence between Israel and Hezbollah persists or increases, Israelis cannot return home, let alone regain normalcy and safety.