Israel prepares for major escalation amid Hezbollah buildup in Lebanon

Israel is preparing for a significant escalation in Lebanon amid the ongoing strengthening of Hezbollah’s positions.

Israeli authorities presented US envoy Morgan Ortagus with evidence of the group’s continued consolidation in Lebanon and warned that further actions would trigger a response from the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

While the United States is trying to calm the situation, Israel says this seems inevitable.

Earlier reports indicated that, as part of US efforts to prevent escalation, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz is expected to visit Israel next week.

Waltz stated that the United States will continue its efforts to disarm Hezbollah, emphasising that the group must be disarmed and remain in that state. He acknowledged that the process would be difficult and complicated, noting that progress might be slow and uneven at times.

Hezbollah is widely regarded as the most powerful non-state armed actor in the Middle East. It reportedly holds tens of thousands of rockets and missiles — including long‑ and medium‑range systems and precision-guided weapons — supplied largely by Iran (with assistance via Syria).

The existence and armament of Hezbollah contravene United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 (2004), which calls for the disbanding and disarmament of all militias in Lebanon.

Since the war with Israel ended in late 2024 under a US-mediated ceasefire, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have been under pressure — both internationally and domestically — to assert state control by disarming Hezbollah, especially in southern Lebanon.

But Hezbollah and its political allies strongly resist disarmament, arguing that giving up arms while Israeli forces remain within or near Lebanese territory undermines Lebanon’s security.

They have warned of severe consequences if disarmament proceeds without guarantees, such as Israeli withdrawal.

By Jeyhun Aghazada