Fri Sep 20 13:17:31 UTC 2024: ## Israel Celebrates Lebanon Attacks Amidst Growing Fears of War
**BEIRUT, LEBANON -** Following a series of coordinated explosions that killed at least 32 people, including two children, and injured thousands in Lebanon and Syria, reactions in Israel are mixed. While some Israelis celebrate the attacks, citing their effectiveness against Hezbollah, others express concern about potential repercussions.
The attacks, which targeted communication devices belonging to Hezbollah, occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday. They were widely attributed to Israel, although Israeli authorities remained silent on the matter.
Experts and analysts suggest that the attacks, while seemingly successful in damaging Hezbollah’s infrastructure, have not significantly weakened the organization. In fact, many fear that the attacks will push the region closer to a full-blown war.
“These were daring attacks,” remarked Mitchell Barak, a pollster and former Israeli political advisor. “If they were carried out by Israel, they’ve reinforced our reputation as ‘start-up nation’, innovative, daring and imaginative.”
Barak also acknowledged that the attacks have emboldened Hezbollah and its allies, leading to calls for retaliation.
“No place is safe for them now,” he said. “They’re going to want to respond to that, but they may find out that a US-brokered ceasefire is their best bet, because who knows what surprise could be next.”
Meanwhile, Israel has been bolstering its military presence on the border with Lebanon, deploying the 98th Paratroopers Division from Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top Israeli officials have also hinted at the possibility of a full-scale war with Hezbollah.
While some in Israel remain optimistic about the potential benefits of the attacks, others express concern about the escalation of tensions and the potential for a wider conflict.
“It’s not clear what’s going to happen,” said Nimrod Flashenberg, an Israeli analyst. “On the one hand, among the public, many people are still giddy from the movie-style nature of the attacks on Hezbollah, so there isn’t any great craving for war. On the other hand, this is Hezbollah. This is the Big Bad. The call to strike and strike while they’re weak – particularly among the right – is hard to avoid.”
Despite the fear of war, both Hezbollah and its Iranian allies have made efforts to avoid escalating the situation. However, analysts across the region warn of the dangers of a “game of chicken” unfolding, fueled by Israeli aggression and Hezbollah’s desire to retaliate.
“Right now, there’s the most expensive game of chicken in the world taking place across the region,” said political analyst Ori Goldberg. “Netanyahu would welcome a war, but he cannot let anyone think he started it.”
Meanwhile, Ofer Cassif, a member of the Israeli parliament representing the left-wing Hadash coalition, expressed concern over the polarization of Israeli society and the lack of dialogue surrounding the events in Lebanon.
“Nobody in Israel seems to talk about the terror inflicted upon the people of Lebanon,” Goldberg said. “Can you imagine it?”
While the situation remains volatile, many fear that the recent attacks in Lebanon have brought the region closer to a full-scale war, with devastating consequences for all involved.
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