Recent developments in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon have raised concerns and sparked conflicting claims from both sides.
Israel's defense minister, Yoav Gallant, stated that half of Hezbollah's commanders in southern Lebanon have been killed since the fighting began on October 7. Gallant attributed this to the continuous offensive operations carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the region, which he described as 'very impressive.'
According to Gallant, the IDF's operations aim to force Hezbollah commanders to either surrender or retreat from southern Lebanon, allowing IDF forces to gain control of the area.
However, a Hezbollah official, speaking anonymously, dismissed Gallant's claims as 'ridiculous' and suggested they were intended for domestic consumption. The official emphasized that Hezbollah has not yet declared full mobilization and that their fighters are following a rotation system.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in months of daily cross-border strikes, leading to significant displacement of civilians on both sides. Israel has utilized artillery, jets, and drones to target locations in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah has employed its arsenal of rockets and missiles in response.
The situation remains tense, with conflicting reports and ongoing military actions underscoring the volatile nature of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.