Israel is reportedly preparing for a potential full-scale conflict with Hezbollah, with discussions in the country’s war cabinet suggesting a ground invasion of southern Lebanon may be imminent. Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), indicated that a crucial decision point is near due to increasing daily attacks on northern Israel. Halevi stated, “We are approaching the point where a decision will have to be made, and the IDF is prepared and very ready for this decision,” during a visit to an army base in Kiryat Shmona, a northern region that has experienced significant fires this week from Hezbollah drone and rocket attacks.
For the past eight months, Israel has been conducting attacks against Hezbollah, which Halevi claims have inflicted a substantial toll on the group. He noted that the IDF is ready to launch an offensive in the north following extensive training. He emphasized the IDF’s strong defense and readiness to attack, indicating that a decisive moment is near. This comes as the Israeli war cabinet held a meeting to discuss the escalating situation.
The Galilee region in northern Israel has faced severe fires due to intensified rocket and drone strikes from Hezbollah. Reports indicate that these attacks have resulted in over 20 to 30 wildfires, consuming approximately 2,500 acres of land. Since the conflict with Gaza began following Hamas’s October 7 terror attack, more than 80,000 residents of northern Israel have been displaced due to ongoing hostilities.
Halevi concluded his visit by stating that the IDF’s objective is to “destroy Hezbollah.” Despite the conflict on the northern border being contained so far, some members of the Netanyahu government advocate for immediate escalation. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for Lebanon to be sent “back to the Stone Age,” while National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has also supported taking the war to Hezbollah.
Ben Gvir expressed frustration over the continued attacks, stating, “It is unacceptable that our land is under fire and we are being hurt, that people here are evacuating, while at the same time there is quiet in Lebanon.” He called for all Hezbollah strongholds to be destroyed, urging for war. Israel’s ongoing strikes in Syria are expected to escalate in response to the growing tension.
