Beirut/Jerusalem, June 19, 2024 — Clashes between Israeli forces and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah have intensified along the border, with both sides issuing severe warnings of potential all-out war. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz declared on Tuesday that war with Hezbollah might be imminent, despite ongoing U.S. efforts to reduce tensions.

The escalation follows the release of surveillance footage by Hezbollah, indicating a potential attack on Haifa, Israel's third-largest city. The footage has heightened fears of a broader conflict, with Hezbollah signaling increased aggression following the recent killing of one of its senior commanders in an Israeli strike. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched its largest rocket and drone assault on Israeli military installations since November.

Katz, addressing the threats from Hezbollah leader Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah, who has warned of attacks on Haifa's ports managed by Chinese and Indian companies, stated on social media platform X, "We are very close to deciding to change the rules against Hezbollah and Lebanon in this game."

He further emphasized that while Israel might face significant casualties, the nation is determined to restore security for its northern residents, asserting, "Hezbollah will be destroyed and Lebanon destroyed in an all-out war."

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they are preparing for a potential invasion of Lebanon, bolstering troop readiness and operational plans.

Hezbollah has vowed to continue its attacks unless a ceasefire is established in the Gaza Strip, reflecting its solidarity with the ongoing eight-month Gaza conflict.

In an effort to defuse the situation, the U.S. dispatched Ambassador Amos Hochstein to Lebanon following a brief visit to Israel. Hochstein, addressing the media after meetings with Lebanese officials, including the army chief and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, emphasized President Joe Biden's commitment to preventing the escalation into a larger regional war.

"The situation is serious, and President Biden wants to avoid further escalation into a larger war," Hochstein said.

Both the United States and France are actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict through negotiations, seeking to avert a major regional war in the Middle East.