Israel launches biggest attack on Lebanon since October 7; war imminent

The Israeli army launched its deadliest attack on Lebanon since October 7 on Monday (23). According to the country’s Health Ministry, more than 180 people died and another 700 were injured. Despite efforts by the international community and Israel’s allies to curb the escalation of aggression, all-out war between the Jewish state and the Shiite group Hezbollah is imminent.

In addition to the bombings, the far-right Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is implementing forced displacements of civilians in southern Lebanon, a war tactic widely used in the Gaza war.

Monday’s bombing is the most extensive territorial attack carried out by the Israelis in Lebanon since the beginning of the exchange of aggressions between the two sides, almost a year ago.

Residents of several cities in southern Lebanon posted photos on social media showing populated areas being hit by missiles. The region is the epicenter of tensions as it is the border between the two countries.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati denounced a “plan of destruction” carried out by Israel. “Israel’s persistent aggression against Lebanon is a war of extermination in every aspect, a plan of destruction that aims to pulverize Lebanese villages and cities,” Mikati said in a statement, in which he called on the UN and “influential countries” to “deter the aggression.”

“The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) is engaged in intense and precise strikes against terrorist targets, which have been widely embedded throughout Lebanon,” spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the country will continue its war actions in Lebanon. “We are deepening our strikes in Lebanon. The actions will continue until we achieve our goal of returning the residents of the north safely to their homes,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a video released by his office.

According to the Zionists, the massive attack on Lebanon is a response to the more than 150 missiles fired by Hezbollah at military positions in northern Israel.

Psychological warfare and the forced displacement of civilians

Moments before launching the biggest and deadliest attack on Lebanon since October 7, residents in the attacked parts of the country received text and voice messages sent by Israel warning of imminent bombings.

It was the first such warning to citizens in the country in nearly a year of escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with the military ordering the immediate evacuation of residents of southern Lebanon.

The tactic is well-known: as in Gaza, Tel Aviv seeks to destroy the mental health of the population living in conflict regions, forcing the displacement of civilians.

On Sunday (22), Israeli national broadcaster Kan reported that Netanyahu, in a closed-door meeting with the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, is considering a plan to expel all Palestinian civilians from northern Gaza, including Gaza City, in order to besiege Hamas and force the release of hostages.

But displacement orders in Gaza have become so commonplace that Palestinians have become increasingly unwilling to meet Israeli relocation demands.