Israel’s NSA warns of US intervention as Gaza conflict escalates – IndiaTimes

In a significant development, Israel's national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, has warned that the United States may intervene if the ongoing Gaza conflict escalates further and draws in Iran and Hezbollah in support of Hamas. This warning comes in the wake of expressions of support from U.S. President Joe Biden. During a televised briefing, Hanegbi highlighted President Biden's actions, which include deploying U.S. naval forces in the Mediterranean and publicly cautioning both Hezbollah and Tehran to stay out of the hostilities. "He is making clear to our enemies that if they even imagine taking part in the offensive against the citizens of Israel, there will be American involvement here," Hanegbi stated, emphasizing that "Israel will not be alone." The heightened tensions are palpable on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border. Israeli and Lebanese residents in the region have begun to evacuate their homes due to the fear that their towns could become the main battleground in a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Smadar Azoulai, a displaced resident of Kiryat Shmona in Israel, expressed the anxiety felt by many, stating, "This time it's a whole different kind of anxiety - terrible fear." Meanwhile, in Lebanon, residents of towns and cities near the border have fled north in anticipation of potential Israeli military action. Uncertainty looms over the region as it could become a second front in a broader Middle Eastern conflict, with Israel's expected invasion of Gaza in response to a surprise attack by Hamas potentially provoking a strong response from regional adversaries. The recent attack on October 7th, resulting in more than 1,300 Israeli casualties, marked the deadliest single day in Israel's 75-year history. In retaliation, Israel has initiated its most intense bombardment of the blockaded Gaza Strip, resulting in over 2,700 Palestinian casualties, with plans for a large-scale ground offensive. As the situation unfolds, the northern border with Lebanon, a hilly region by the sea, stands in stark contrast to the Gaza Strip, located 200 kilometers (130 miles) to the southwest. While the two areas may seem distant, Iran's support for Hamas and Hezbollah has raised concerns. Iran has recently warned of "preemptive action" against Israeli assaults on Gaza, further escalating tensions. Israel has taken precautionary measures, including the evacuation of 28 villages near Lebanon, relocating affected families to tourist resorts in the south. Lebanese residents have sought refuge further north, hoping to avoid Israeli military operations. With the situation in flux, the region remains on edge, and the potential for further escalation keeps residents and observers on high alert. The memory of the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, which began suddenly and without warning, still looms large, with fears of a similar conflict mounting since October 7th. At the Sea of Galilee, hundreds of Israelis from northern kibbutzes are living out of suitcases indefinitely. The prevailing mood is one of fear and uncertainty as people anxiously await the resolution of the crisis and wonder about the future of those affected by the conflict. Amidst these developments, there have been reports of continued violence in the border areas, with Israel's military announcing the killing of individuals attempting to plant an explosive device on the Lebanon-Israel border. Both sides have exchanged fire and targeted military posts and equipment, further heightening the tensions. The situation remains fluid, with the risk of escalation persisting, as regional powers and international actors closely monitor the evolving crisis. (with inputs from Reuters)

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Israel's NSA warns of US intervention as Gaza conflict escalates - IndiaTimes