Richard Krauss
22. Juni 2024
Escalation on Israel’s northern border increases
Since the beginning of May 2024, Hezbollah has significantly increased its attacks on northern Israel. These attacks include regular rocket fire and the use of explosive drones.
On May 1, numerous rockets were fired at Kiryat Shmona, causing significant property damage. On May 10, drone attacks targeted military facilities in northern Israel, further contributing to insecurity. Further attacks on May 15 and 27 resulted in damage in Metula and a massive rocket offensive that hit Nahariya in particular. The major attack on May 27 brought over 60 rockets that hit several towns in northern Israel and led to large-scale evacuations.
The attacks reached their peak in June. On June 4, Hezbollah fired over 100 rockets into northern Israel, causing severe damage and forcing many residents to flee their homes. This was followed on June 10 by another coordinated attack using drones and rockets, targeting both military and civilian targets, further escalating tensions. On June 20, the Golan Heights region was again hit by an intense wave of rocket attacks, triggering alert and protective measures by Israel's defense systems.
The impact on Israel's civilian population is severe. Constant threats and the need to seek shelter have severely disrupted daily life in northern Israel. Many people have been displaced and there is general insecurity. Schools have been closed and economic activities have been severely restricted. Families living in the border regions have been particularly affected and must live with the constant fear of further attacks. In addition to the immediate damage caused by rockets and drones, the attacks caused numerous fires that destroyed large areas of land and property. These fires have led to additional evacuations and overwhelmed local fire and rescue services, which are working around the clock to control the fires and prevent further damage.
Hezbollah, which is widely supported by Iran, is behind the attacks. Iran provides funding, weapons and training, allowing Hezbollah to show its military strength and continue its attacks on Israel. This support is part of Iran's strategy to strengthen its influence in the Middle East and act against Israeli interests. Hezbollah-Iran cooperation is often seen as a threat to the stability of the entire region.
The security implications of this escalation are far-reaching. The attacks have not only increased tensions between Israel and Lebanon, but also increased the risk of a broader regional conflict. Hezbollah has threatened to expand its attacks if Israeli military operations in Gaza continue. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has also suggested that no region in Israel is safe, even mentioning Cyprus as a possible target should a full-scale military confrontation occur. These threats underscore the wide-ranging security challenges facing the region.
The international community, including the US and France, has repeatedly called for de-escalation and stressed that further escalation must be avoided. Diplomatic efforts are focused on reducing tensions and finding a peaceful solution. Nevertheless, the situation remains extremely tense, and there is a constant risk that violence will escalate further.
Sources: Times of Israel, Al-Monitor, Haaretz.
Update 06/22/2027 I 11:20
In recent days, several countries have called on their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. This is happening against the backdrop of the worsening security situation and growing tensions in the region, particularly due to Hezbollah's military activities against Israel. The Foreign Office in Germany strongly advises people to leave Lebanon. The security situation is deteriorating rapidly and the risk to civilians has increased considerably.
The Austrian Foreign Ministry has reacted in a similarly drastic manner, issuing a strong travel warning for Lebanon. Austrians should leave the country as quickly as possible in order not to expose themselves to the dangers of the current conflict situation. The US State Department has also issued an urgent warning and is urging all US citizens to leave Lebanon. The statement highlights the danger posed by possible military conflicts and terrorist threats that could endanger the lives of Americans in the region.
The British Foreign Office is following this line and is also urging its citizens to leave Lebanon. The increasing deterioration of the security situation is making it increasingly unsafe to remain in the country. The French government has also urged its citizens to leave Lebanon. In view of the sharp increase in tensions and the risk of attacks, it is strongly advised to return to France.
Canada has also issued a travel warning and is urging its citizens to leave the country. The volatile security situation poses a serious risk to Canadians still in Lebanon. These requests reflect the serious security concerns raised by recent military and political developments in the region. Those affected should consult the travel and security advice of their home countries.