Hezbollah warns of new escalation phase

Hezbollah announced early Friday the transition to a new, escalating phase of confrontation with Israel. Although the statement did not mention the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, it emphasized that ‘hundreds of warriors are fully prepared to confront any Israeli incursion in villages of southern Lebanon.’ This comes after Israel’s ground forces entered southern Lebanon and conducted air strikes, including in Beirut. In September, Hezbollah’s long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli air strike. Despite Hezbollah claiming the death of 55 Israeli soldiers and over 500 injured since the Israeli offensive began in October, Israel’s military reported only 19 deaths among its ranks. Hezbollah highlighted for the first time the use of precision-guided rockets in its attacks on Israel.