After Lebanon’s militant outfit Hezbollah attacked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence with drones, it became clear that the Middle East War had reached a new height. The defense experts were shocked when the rockets fired from Lebanon reached the northern Israeli city of Haifa and landed at the prime minister’s highly fortified house in Caesarea, the strategically important district that houses military installations, business interests, and important political personalities.
Hamas Remains Defiant
After Hamas Chief Yahiya Sinwar was killed in a ground battle in Khan Younis of the Gaza Strip, it was expected that the Palestinian group would agree to a cease-fire and release of hostages. Contrary to this perception and the adverse ground realities, Hamas rejected the cease-fire and ruled out the release of more than 100 hostages it still has in its captivity.
Hezbollah Shows Striking Abilities
However, the worst came from Hezbollah as the Lebanon-based Shiite outfit targeted the Israeli Prime Minister’s residence in Haifa. This not only showcases the capability and striking range of the militant outfit, it also shows its resolve.
The drone attack at Benjamin Netanyahu’s house in Caesarea has also made it clear that the pro-Palestinian forces are determined to take the war to a new height, they are resolute on hitting the Jewish nation at the points where it pains it most.
In a nutshell, no cease-fire or release of Israeli hostages is possible soon. The war will escalate further.
Israel Fighting At Four Fronts
Israel is fighting a war at four fronts simultaneously- Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Red Sea, and Syria. The Jewish state is facing the brunt of the anger of Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, and Shiite Syrians. The main force supplying all types of weapons, money, and supporting infrastructure is Iran, the arch-enemy of Tel Aviv.
Hezbollah Targets Israel
The attack on Benjamin Netanyahu’s house is neither the culmination nor the beginning of the Hezbollah attack. A few hours ahead of the drone attack in Caesarea, the Israel Defence Force confirmed that 55 rockets were fired from Lebanon targeting Haifa and other northern Israeli cities.
Also Read: Explained: Is Israel-Hezbollah War Imminent After Hassan Nasrallah’s Killing? How Will U.S. Respond?
It said in a statement that the Iron Dome air defense system intercepted some of the missiles, while some others landed in Haifa. In a separate statement, Israel’s medical service spokesperson Magen Adom said a man sustained injuries from shrapnel, while another suffered mild injuries after a rocket hit a house in Haifa.
‘Axis of Resistance’ Remains Undeterred
However, it is clear that the “Axis of Resistance”, are not deterred, mainly due to Tehran’s support they enjoy. Reiterating Iran’s support, its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared Hamas was “alive and would remain alive” despite the death of its leader, Yahya Sinwar. He said in a statement, “His loss is undoubtedly painful for the Axis of Resistance, but this front did not cease advancing with the martyrdom of prominent figures.”
Praising the Hamas chief, he called Yahiya Sinwar “a shining face of resistance and struggle” who stood against the oppressive and aggressive enemy with a steely resolve.
Hezbollah Showcases Its Striking Depth
Hezbollah’s attack on Benjamin Netanyahu’s home proves that the militant outfit has developed a network of intelligence that can collect correct information. If it can hit the most fortified target of an official as high as the Prime Minister of the country, it can go to any length. It cannot be treated as a simple militant outfit with limited resources and manpower.
If Hezbollah has such a firepower, why should it make any compromise? Why should the Shiite militant outfit not hit Israel hard to claim victory at least in the war of perception?
Has Hamas Deviated From its Original Plan?
When Hamas fighters attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, political analysts believed it to be an attempt to derail the Abraham Agreement and put the Palestinian question back on the forefront.
However, the way the Jewish nation hit back and went on bombing the targets in the Gaza Strip indiscriminately, killing tens of thousands of people, mostly innocent civilians including women and children, it spiraled into a war of existence for both Tel Aviv and Hamas. It got more complex and compounded after Hezbollah started firing missiles at Israel and Houthi militants targeting ships passing through the Red Sea.
Though several rounds of talks were held between Israel and Hamas and some of the hostages were freed in exchange for Palestinians languishing in jails, the war continued. The killing and suffering too continued on both sides, but Palestinians suffered more than Israelis.
Is It Fight To Finish?
With the killing of Ismael Haniyeh, Mohammad Deif, Hassan Nasrallah, and now Yahiya Sinwar, Israel has made its intention clear to wipe out the enemy outfits, not just to punish them with measured and limited attacks. After losing these leaders, who emerged with years of struggle and perseverance, Hamas and Hezbollah have shown their resolve to fight to finish rather than control the damage already suffered.
Will Hezbollah and Hamas stop, introspect, and find ways to withdraw only to hit back in the future or will it continue fighting irrespective of the losses and sufferings? It seems, the militant outfits have lost the path and they are ready to burn themselves like a phoenix.
