Israel aims for targeted response to Hezbollah without triggering full-scale war

Israel is focused on targeting Hezbollah without escalating into a full-scale regional conflict.

This comes as Lebanon braces for possible retaliation following a rocket strike that resulted in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Caliber.Az reports, citing British media.

Two Israeli officials indicated that Israel is preparing for a limited conflict lasting a few days in response to the July 27 rocket attack on a sports field in a Druze village. They emphasized that the goal is to inflict damage on Hezbollah while avoiding a broader war. The officials, including a senior defence source and a diplomatic representative, spoke on condition of anonymity and did not disclose specific retaliation plans.

“The expectation is that the response will be measured and will not escalate into an all-out war,” said the diplomatic source. “Such an escalation is not in our interest at this time.”

The United States and Israel have accused Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group, of orchestrating the rocket attack. Hezbollah has denied involvement, adding to the tensions that have been building up over recent months. The situation has intensified concerns that ongoing cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah could spiral into a larger conflict.

On Sunday, Israel’s security cabinet authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to determine the scope and timing of Israel’s response. According to reports, the response could include limited attacks on infrastructure, such as bridges, power plants, and ports, or targeted strikes on Hezbollah’s weapons depots and leadership.

The recent escalation follows some of the worst hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah since their last major conflict in 2006. Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, has indicated that its rocket and drone attacks are aimed at supporting the Palestinians and has suggested that it will cease fire only when Israel ends its military operations in Gaza.