Israel and Hezbollah say they don't want war - but they are both ready for it

The situation between Israel and Hezbollah has become increasingly tense, with both sides claiming they do not wish to engage in war, yet simultaneously preparing for the possibility of conflict. Recently, a series of military actions have raised concerns about the potential for a larger confrontation. In the early hours of Sunday morning, the Israeli military launched a significant operation, deploying approximately 100 fighter jets to conduct what they termed pre-emptive strikes on Hezbollah targets located in southern Lebanon. This operation marks the largest Israeli military action against Lebanon since the intense conflict between the two sides in 2006. In retaliation, Hezbollah fired a barrage of rockets and missiles into northern Israel, escalating the situation further. The fear among many in the region is that this exchange of attacks could spiral into a full-scale war. Hezbollah has stated that their military response was the first phase of retaliation for the assassination of their senior commander, Fouad Shukr, who was killed in a strike in Beirut on July 30. It is widely believed that Israel was responsible for this assassination, as well as for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran shortly thereafter. Since these events, there has been a palpable sense of anticipation regarding how both Hezbollah and Iran would respond. This recent military action appears to be Hezbollah's first significant retaliation in this ongoing conflict. In the background, diplomatic efforts have been underway to prevent the crisis in Gaza from escalating into a broader regional conflict. The United States has issued warnings that the ongoing negotiations for a hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas could jeopardize these diplomatic efforts. Despite intense pressure from the U. S. , attempts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza after more than ten months of conflict have yielded little progress. The Israeli military has indicated its readiness to engage in combat on two fronts: in Gaza and along its northern border with Lebanon. However, Hezbollah is considered a much more formidable opponent than Hamas, with estimates suggesting they possess around 150,000 rockets, some capable of reaching deep into Israeli territory. Their fighters, many of whom have combat experience from the Syrian war, are well-trained and equipped. As the conflict in Gaza continues, there are growing questions about whether the Israeli public is willing to endure another war. Many Israeli reservists have been called up to serve in Gaza, often returning for multiple tours of duty. However, there is a strong sentiment among residents in northern Israel that Hezbollah poses a significant threat that must be addressed. Since the onset of the war in Gaza, tens of thousands of people in northern Israel have been evacuated from their homes, and many have lost their businesses. Similarly, in southern Lebanon, large numbers of people have been displaced due to fears of Israeli airstrikes. As of now, Hezbollah has declared that it has completed the first phase of its response to the killing of Fouad Shukr. Their attacks on Israel this morning appear to have resulted in minimal damage, with few casualties reported on either side. Israel believes it successfully thwarted a major Hezbollah offensive. The pressing question now is whether the region will revert to the more routine exchanges of fire that have characterized the conflict since the war in Gaza began last October, or if today's violence could escalate into something far more dangerous. While leaders from both Israel and Hezbollah have expressed a desire to avoid a full-scale war, they have also indicated that they are prepared for one if necessary.