Israel warns Lebanon of prospect of ‘all-out war’ as U.S. seeks to de-escalate hostilities
CNBCJun 16
Hezbollah Fires 200 Rockets into Israel After Commander's Killing
Image copyright: Amir Levy/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah said on Thursday that it launched more than 200 rockets and over 20 drones at 10 Israeli military sites in retaliation for the killing of commander Mohammed Nasser — one of the most senior Hezbollah commanders to allegedly be killed by Israel since clashes began shortly after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack last year.
The Israeli military said it was hitting targets in south Lebanon — including a building in Shihine and infrastructure in the Jabal Blat area — in response to Hezbollah's rocket and drone attack and that it had intercepted and shot down numerous projectiles.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
A guaranteed end to the war will ensure increased humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, preserve Israel's security, and create a better "day after" in Gaza without Hamas in power. The US will continue to work toward closing the gaps and ensuring that peace and stability can be restored to the region.
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel wants to make a deal and get its hostages back, but it can't allow Hamas to stay in power. If Hamas is allowed to remain in power in Gaza, the group will immediately begin planning the next Oct. 7 terrorist attack. Though there are pressures at home and abroad to end the war prematurely, Israel must do what is best for its citizens.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Though this deal, which is nearly identical to earlier proposals that Hamas has already agreed to, must go through, it's too little too late. Israel has massacred over 35K Palestinians in Gaza, yet it has taken months even to approach a deal due to Israeli intransigence. The only reason this war has continued is because of the US' inability to reel Israel in.
Narrative D
Hezbollah and the regional resistance continue to demonstrate their military capabilities. Ultimately, the resistance's primary goal is to end the war in Gaza, not start a far larger regional conflict. However, Israel's genocidal actions and constant threats may indicate that a larger war is coming. Indeed, Hezbollah is ready to defend Lebanon.