Lebanese relief as Hezbollah and Israel seem to step back from brink

In Tyre, Lebanon, beachgoers were alarmed as they observed smoke rising from the border with Israel during a series of intense exchanges of fire. This situation unfolded on August 25, 2024, and for nearly a month, many residents in Lebanon had been on edge, anticipating a response from Hezbollah against Israel. The entire region was anxious, fearing that this conflict could ignite a larger war. It was widely understood that Hezbollah, a powerful group backed by Iran, would seek vengeance for the assassination of one of its top military leaders, Fuad Shukr, on July 30. The Israeli forces managed to locate and kill him deep within Hezbollah's territory in South Beirut, which was not only a significant military loss but also a public embarrassment for the group. Just hours after Shukr's assassination, another high-profile figure, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Tehran, which appeared to be another operation orchestrated by Israel. However, Iran has indicated that its retaliation may be a long-term endeavor. On Sunday morning, at 5:15 AM, Hezbollah launched a significant attack, firing over 300 Katyusha rockets and deploying a large number of drones across the border into Israel. This was a calculated act of revenge, executed with precision, and it was less aggressive than many had anticipated. Hezbollah claimed to have targeted 11 military bases and barracks, asserting that their operation was a success. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that most of the rockets did not hit their intended targets. Nevertheless, Hezbollah refrained from targeting major cities or critical infrastructure in Israel, and they did not deploy their most powerful weaponry. The group, which is classified as a terrorist organization by both the UK and the US, is believed to possess more arms than many nations. Prior to Hezbollah's retaliation, Israel had initiated its own preemptive strike at 4:30 AM, deploying fighter jets to target Hezbollah's firing positions. The IDF claimed that this operation destroyed thousands of rocket launchers. The rocket fire from Hezbollah caused damage to several homes in the Israeli coastal town of Acre. This escalation marked the most significant flare-up since the onset of the Gaza war last October, which began when Hamas launched a devastating attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people in Israel in a single day. Since that time, Hezbollah has been engaged in exchanges of fire with Israel along their shared border, demonstrating solidarity with Hamas and the people of Gaza. So, where do we stand now, one day later? Surprisingly, the situation in the Middle East may be somewhat more stable. Both Hezbollah and Israel have conveyed their messages but have stopped short of declaring all-out war. Hezbollah has indicated that it is prepared to move on from the chapter of Fuad Shukr's assassination, at least for the time being. Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, stated, 'We reserve our right to continue the response at a later point, but for now, the people can be at ease and carry on with their lives. ' This message was a welcome relief for many in Lebanon after a month of tension. Nasrallah addressed his supporters via television from an undisclosed location, as he is likely a target for Israeli forces. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu remarked that the strikes against Hezbollah were 'not the end of the story. ' However, diplomats have reported that both sides have exchanged messages indicating a desire to avoid further escalation. A Hamas leader reportedly survived an Israeli drone strike in the southern Lebanese port city of Sidon on Monday. In southern Lebanon, there is already a return to the usual low-level conflict. Israel has attempted another assassination, leaving a burning vehicle on the streets of Sidon. Local sources indicate that the target was a Hamas leader who managed to escape in time. Along the coast in Tyre, Israeli jets are flying low, breaking the sound barrier, but the beach is becoming more crowded. A young man in his 20s expressed, 'Everything feels calm today. Everything returned to normal. The streets have been quiet, but people have come back out. Today, people can breathe. ' Hezbollah stated that it delayed its retaliation to allow for discussions regarding a ceasefire in Gaza. However, the latest round of talks in Egypt has concluded without any apparent progress. While the war in Gaza continues, it is contributing to instability throughout the Middle East.