As exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah along the Lebanon border have increased, so have the threats of a further and more expanded war.  Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has threatened Hezbollah with a potential ground invasion of Lebanon that would be “quick, surprising, and sharp.”

Israel’s military and the Lebanese armed group continue to trade fire across the border, media reported on Wednesday. This could eventually expand into a wider regional conflict.  Speaking to servicemen during a visit to Israel’s northern border, Gallant said the country is “approaching a decision-making crossroad,” and the outcome would largely depend on Hezbollah’s actions.

Russia Issues Another Warning, This Time To Israel

“We are waging a limited war in the northern region. We are using a small part of the Israeli Defense Force’s power, but things can change in an instant, from a main effort in the south to a main effort in the north, and it will be quick, surprising, and very sharp,” the outlet quoted Gallant as saying. “If Hezbollah wants to reach an agreement with us and reach a situation where it withdraws from the borderline to areas beyond the Litani River as stipulated by the United Nations resolution, then we will reach an agreement with it,” Gallant said.

Hezbollah also issued its own threat to Israel. Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, warned on Wednesday the group will “launch missiles at settlements that were not previously targeted,” if Israel continues to “target” civilians in Lebanon, according to a report by RT. 

Israel Plans to Move Resources To Prepare For WAR with Hezbollah

Eight civilians, including three children, were killed in Israeli air strikes in Lebanon earlier this week, according to Lebanese media. Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), shows that Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more 500 people, while Hezbollah and other armed groups were responsible for attacks that killed at least 21 Israelis.

The situation has escalated since the start of the Israeli offensive in Gaza last October. The IDF and Hezbollah have been increasingly exchanging fire along the border. The militant group says it is striking Israel in solidarity with Palestinian armed group Hamas. –RT

Since the Israeli operation in Gaza began in October, the Palestinian health authorities claim that nearly 38,800 people have been killed. Israel began the operation following a cross-border incursion by Hamas, in which at least 1,200 people were killed and 250 were taken hostage. Around 116 captives are believed to still be held in Gaza.