Israeli army gears up for escalation against Hezbollah in Lebanon

Israeli National Defence Chief of Staff Hurchi Halevi announced plans for potential escalation in conflict with Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite armed movement and ally of Iran and Hamas.

"Today we approved several plans for the future," Halevi stated during a visit to a command post in Safed. He emphasized the need to be prepared for possible attacks in Lebanon, noting the Israeli army's current high level of readiness.

Tensions between Israeli and Hezbollah forces have intensified since October 8, following the Israel/Hamas war.

Yesterday, Hezbollah fired rockets at Kiryat Shmona, causing damage but no reported injuries.

In a previous Israeli airstrike, a Hezbollah fighter and two family members lost their lives.

As clashes persist on the border, Israel has relocated thousands of northern residents for security reasons.

The situation, described as the most serious since the Second Lebanon War in 2006, involves both border skirmishes and deeper Israeli strikes up to 20 kilometers.

Casualties on the Lebanese side reach nearly 160, including Hezbollah fighters and civilians, while Israel reports 13 casualties, including nine military personnel.