Hezbollah introduces new weapons, tactics against Israel as war in Gaza drags on
PBS NewsHourMay 23
Fires in Northern Israel After Hezbollah Attacks
Above: A firefighter uses an air pump as he tries to control a fire that has broken as the result of a drone attack near the border with Lebanon on June 4, 2024 in Northern Israel, Israel. Image copyright: Amir Levy/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Wildfires spread across northern Israel Monday night after Lebanon's Hezbollah fired rockets and drones into the area. Authorities told residents who had not already evacuated to leave the area. Six military reservists were injured trying to contain the fires.
On Tuesday, firefighters had to be dispatched to Biriya Forest near Safed after a smaller fire was sparked. Local authorities said the fire was started after Israeli forces fired an interceptor missile at an "incoming threat." Later on Tuesday, Israel's fire service said most of the fires in the north had been brought under control.
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. If Hamas is ready to engage constructively, the Israeli government must stand behind the cease-fire plan. Biden is calling time on the war — Netanyahu must seize this moment and stop the fighting.
Pro-Israel narrative
Iran's proxies, primarily Hezbollah, are itching to strike Israel, especially given the impunity these groups have been afforded since Hamas' Oct. 7 terrorist attack. Hezbollah has nearly doubled the amount of attacks it is launching into northern Israel, which has been emptied of its residents. The time to confront Hezbollah and Iran's other terrorist proxies is fast approaching if diplomacy fails.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Though this deal, which is nearly identical to earlier proposals that Hamas has already agreed to, must go through, it is 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. Regardless of how this war ends, Israel must face accountability for its many crimes.
Pro-Iran narrative
Hezbollah and the regional resistance will only end their attacks when Israel's war in Gaza ends and it withdraws its forces. Indeed, the resistance's primary goal is to end the war in Gaza, not start a far larger regional war. Foreign powers believe they can dictate to Hezbollah how it deals with Israel's aggression and impose concessions regarding the status of Lebanon's southern border. However, Hezbollah has many tricks up its sleeve, and it is prepared to defend Lebanon from Israel's genocidal aggression.