Israel expands Lebanon assault, striking banks to hit Hezbollah's finances
NBCOct 21
Scores Flee Baalbek in Eastern Lebanon After Israeli Evacuation Orders
Above: Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted Lebanon's eastern city of Baalbek, in the Bekaa Valley, on Oct. 30, 2024. Image copyright: Nidal Solh/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Israel's military issued evacuation orders on Wednesday for the eastern Lebanese city of Baalbek, leading to a wave of displacement. Baalbek, home to some of the best preserved Roman ruins, had been largely spared Israeli bombing for most of the war.
Shortly after issuing the orders, Israeli strikes hit Baalbek. The Israeli military also issued evacuation orders for Nabatieh and several other villages in southern Lebanon.
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 the daily terror attacks it has seen since Oct. 7. 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 largely achieved its military goals in Lebanon and is now working toward a diplomatic solution that closes this bloody conflict. Israel had decimated Hezbollah's leadership and destroyed the border terrorist infrastructure from which it planned to launch an Oct. 7-style attack on northern Israel. Nonetheless, Israel will need to ensure that any deal is rigorously enforced and will not compromise its security.
Pro-Palestine narrative
These "cease-fire" talks are yet another ruse cooked up by the Americans to provide Israel with diplomatic cover to continue its genocide in Gaza and its destruction of Lebanon. Indeed, it is quite clear that Israel's political and military leadership has decided that a drawn-out regional war is in Israel's best interest. Israel will continue targeting innocent civilians across the Middle East, all bankrolled by the US.
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 is ready and able to defend Lebanon from Israeli aggression and its attacks will end when Israel withdraws from Gaza.