HAIFA, Israel. Residents along Israels’ northern border brace themselves for the possibility of all-out war with Hezbollah, Iran’s prominent regional proxy. Eli Harel, a former Israeli soldier who fought in Lebanon in 2006, reflects on the challenging conditions Israeli forces may face, emphasizing the omnipresent danger posed by Hezbollah’s tactics.
Living in Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city, Harel, like many others, finds himself within range of Hezbollah’s arsenal. Recent cross-border strikes between Israel and Hezbollah have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, prompting Haifa’s mayor to advise residents to stockpile essentials.
Hezbollah, bolstered by a formidable arsenal since 2006, mirrors Hamas with its network of tunnels and collaboration with Syrian forces. The group’s attacks on northern Israel, intended to divert Israeli focus from Gaza, have forced thousands to evacuate, sparking calls within Israel for decisive military action against Hezbollah.
Eyal Hulata, a former Israeli national security adviser, advocates for a strategic response to enable the return of displaced civilians, challenging Hezbollah to de-escalate hostilities or face full-scale war. Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, remains steadfast, asserting that displaced Israelis will not return home.
As tensions mount, the Israeli military intensifies preparations for a potential conflict, focusing on logistics and mobilization. However, the prospect of war spells catastrophic consequences for both countries, with past conflicts resulting in substantial casualties and destruction.
Assaf Orion, a retired Israeli brigadier general, warns of the devastating impact of a war with Hezbollah, surpassing the scale of previous conflicts. Haifa, previously targeted in 2006, braces for potential attacks, with memories of past tragedies casting a shadow over the city’s residents.
Despite the anxiety permeating Haifa, many displaced Israelis view another war as the sole path to reclaiming their homes. Assaf Hessed, a resident considering relocation, underscores the urgency for decisive action before September, highlighting the pressing need for a resolution to the escalating tensions.
