Iran asserted on Monday that Israel’s power to deter has diminished and that the strategic balance in the region has shifted against it. This statement follows a significant escalation in attacks by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
Hezbollah’s Attack And Israel’s Response
Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel on Sunday, marking one of the most intense clashes in over ten months of ongoing border warfare. In response, Israel’s military deployed around 100 jets to strike targets in Lebanon, aiming to thwart a larger attack.
The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, commented on the situation via X (formerly Twitter), stating that despite substantial support from the United States, Israel failed to predict the timing and location of Hezbollah’s attacks. Kanaani declared that Israel has “lost its deterrence power” and now faces the challenge of defending itself within its own occupied territories. He further noted that “strategic balances have undergone fundamental changes” to Israel’s detriment.
Risks Of Regional Escalation
The current conflict, which has escalated alongside the ongoing war in Gaza, poses a significant risk of spilling over into a broader regional conflict. This could potentially draw in Iran, which backs Hezbollah, and the United States, Israel’s principal ally. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation looming.
Hezbollah’s Stance
Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, stated that the group’s barrage of attacks was a planned reprisal for the assassination of senior commander Fuad Shukr last month. Despite the intense exchanges on Sunday, which resulted in three deaths in Lebanon and one in Israel, both sides have signalled a desire to avoid further escalation for the time being. However, they also warned that additional strikes could occur.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
