The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has persisted since September’s end, when Israeli forces expanded their Gaza operations to secure their northern Lebanese frontier.
Hezbollah initiated minor cross-border strikes against Israel in the previous year, demonstrating solidarity with their Palestinian associates Hamas after the October 7, 2023 incident.
Peace negotiations regarding the Gaza conflict, which began with the Hamas assault, remain unsuccessful. The Lebanese conflict has resulted in nearly 2,000 casualties, according to Lebanese health ministry data compiled by AFP.
“We have tens of thousands of trained resistance combatants” prepared for combat, stated Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem during a televised address commemorating 40 days since his predecessor Hassan Nasrallah’s death in a military strike.
The broadcast occurred after Donald Trump’s electoral victory announcement, though it was pre-recorded.
Qassem indicated that the electoral outcome between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris would not affect potential ceasefire arrangements in Lebanon.
“We don’t base our expectations for a halt of the aggression on political developments,” he stated.
“Whether Harris wins or Trump wins, it means nothing to us.
“What will stop this… war is the battlefield” he declared, referencing the southern Lebanon combat and Hezbollah’s strikes against Israel.
Earlier that Wednesday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting a military installation near Israel’s primary airport, adjacent to Tel Aviv’s commercial centre. Israeli airport authorities confirmed this incident did not affect operations.
Lebanon has submitted a formal complaint to the UN’s labour organisation regarding Israel’s alleged involvement in fatal explosions caused by detonating pagers. A Lebanese minister confirmed that workers were amongst the casualties and injured parties.
The series of remote-controlled explosions targeting pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah members in mid-September was largely attributed to Israel, though they have remained silent on their involvement. Lebanese authorities reported that these explosions, occurring in shops, residences and public areas, resulted in at least 37 fatalities, including two children, and approximately 3,000 injuries, causing distress even among non-Hezbollah affiliated Lebanese citizens.
The explosive devices affected not only combatants but also employees working in Hezbollah’s civilian sectors, including healthcare and media operations.