Israel-Hamas war latest: Israel’s air force launches dozens of airstrikes on southern Lebanon
Associated PressSep 24
Reports: Israel Preparing for Possible Limited Ground Invasion of South Lebanon
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Above: This overview from Lebanon's southern city of Tyre shows a cloud of smoke erupting after an Israeli air strike on the village of Qlayleh on Sept. 30, 2024. Image copyright: Kawnat Haju/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Multiple media reports on Monday claimed that Israel is preparing for a possible ground invasion of South Lebanon that could begin in the coming days or hours. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Monday that the "next phase of the war against Hezbollah will begin soon."
Hezbollah's deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered a speech on Monday saying that despite the killing of much of its leadership — including the group's leader Hassan Nasrallah — Hezbollah was ready for an Israeli ground incursion, vowing to continue fighting.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Though the situation in the region continues to escalate, the US has stood firm in its role as a mediator. Israel has every right to respond to Hezbollah's daily terror attacks along its northern border. However, it is in no one's interest for tensions to explode into a wider regional war. The US will continue to work toward regional stability.
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel has been incredibly patient regarding the situation in the north, but, after a year of daily terror attacks on Israeli civilians, Israel has been forced to deal with Hezbollah more aggressively. Indeed, Friday's strike on Nasrallah demonstrates that Israel has established new "rules of engagement" that will prove to Hezbollah that its hubris has led to its destruction. Israel wants peace, but it can't allow Hezbollah and other Iran-backed terror groups to threaten its society.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Israel has escalated the situation in the region every chance it has gotten, with the US supporting it every step of the way. Indeed, Israel may expand its genocidal campaign that began in Gaza to Lebanon. Though the US, the most powerful country in the world, has continued its charade that it wants de-escalation, the reality is the US fully supports Israel's crimes across the region. Hamas and Hezbollah may be weakened, but resistance to Israel's expansionist project is inevitable.
Narrative D
Hezbollah and Lebanon have experienced immense suffering for supporting Palestine against Israel's genocidal actions, yet the group will continue its noble fight. Hezbollah opened a support front with Israel to stand in solidarity with Gaza which has faced a genocidal Israeli campaign. Its attacks will end when Israel withdraws from Gaza. Nonetheless, Hezbollah is ready and able to defend Lebanon from Israeli aggression.
