Iran also likely wants to mobilize proxy forces in case of a ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah so it can increase threats to Israel on other fronts,
These strikes may briefly disrupt the transport of men and weapons between Iraq and Syria, but these groups have shown their ability to adapt and resume their activities quickly,
Iran may be moving proxies around Iraq and Syria in order to threaten Israel and may feel the need to move them more often so that they preserve operational security in case of Israeli retaliation,
This would include those in Lebanon and Syria, particularly the latter, given how Hezbollah still needs to command its 3,000-7,500 [militants] that currently occupy the country,
These types of strikes eliminate people who are irreplaceable in other respects,
We have made significant progress with getting towards a resolution,
But nothing is done until it’s all done, and it’s not done right now,
The October 7 attack, orchestrated by Hamas and supported by Iran, saw Hezbollah join the conflict, linking its fate to the war in Gaza and the atrocities of the October 7 massacre,
We haven’t finalized it, but we are moving forward,
There is a very direct link between the people who live on the border here, and those who live on the border in Gaza … When they were attacked [on 7 October last year] we felt we would be too. We had seen [Hezbollah elite] forces building up and we knew they were watching us,
Hezbollah is here to stay, and they don’t like us … but we had 17 years of peace after the last war with them [in 2006]. The Middle East being what it is there will be something else of course but if we get another 15 years of calm, that’d be OK. It’d be enough for my kids to grow up,
There is massive resentment in the town. The two communities have very different views of this war.”
When people get back to the settlements along the border with Lebanon, after reaching the agreement with Hezbollah, they will be able to go back … knowing that they’re going to live there safe and sound.”
The residents of Kiryat Shmona don’t want to be a human shield for the rest of the country. We have to have a real deal, a real victory or we won’t go back. I don’t think we are close to the end of this war.”
We are not expecting a promise of eternal peace. I just want a quiet life to raise my kids and I know that the Lebanese people over the fence want the same … All wars end in diplomatic agreements so this will too,
But I always try to get to the shelter … I’ve got five children to support so I have to stay alive to keep my restaurant open,
I don’t want a ceasefire, because if they do it along the lines that they’ve announced, we’ll be in the same place in five years,
Lebanon strongly condemns any attack on UNIFIL and calls on all sides to respect the safety, security of the troops and their premises,
Lebanon is ready to fulfil its obligations stipulated in the above-mentioned resolution,
Lebanon condemns recent attacks on the Italian contingent and deplores such unjustified hostilities."