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The Israeli army has announced a state of "very high alert" along the country's northern border with Lebanon. They have also stated their readiness to respond to any incident that may occur in the region. This announcement comes on the heels of reports that Hezbollah leader Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah is scheduled to deliver a major speech later today.
Nasrallah's impending speech has triggered various speculations about its content. One possibility is that he may deliver an impassioned address, further exacerbating the tensions that have risen in the region since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 8 and Israel's subsequent retaliatory strikes on Gaza. Additionally, he may set red lines for Israel, cautioning the government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exercise caution.
There is significant concern in Israel that Nasrallah may use his speech to issue a concerning statement. As Jeremy Bowen, the BBC's Jerusalem analyst, pointed out, there is fear that he might declare, "we just pressed the button, and the missiles are headed your way."
It's important to note that Hezbollah is a potent force in the region, with a reported arsenal of approximately 150,000 different types of rockets and missiles, many of which are supplied by Iran.
Nasrallah's speech has been pre-announced on social media platforms, often accompanied by propaganda spots. Some of these spots feature a protagonist who bears a striking resemblance to the late Qassem Soleimani, the former leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, identified by his distinctive ring.
Jeremy Bowen emphasizes that Nasrallah's message will resonate broadly in the region, and Israel is particularly concerned about Hezbollah's capabilities.
Lebanon has been closely monitoring the situation in Gaza, and Hezbollah has intensified attacks on Israeli border areas in recent weeks. This has raised concerns about the potential for a wider regional escalation in the Middle East conflict.
However, it's crucial to consider that for Lebanon, currently grappling with economic and political issues, a large-scale war would be disastrous. Hezbollah's influence extends beyond its base of support, making its decisions of great significance to both its supporters and adversaries.
Notably, the exact location of Nasrallah's speech remains undisclosed. It will be broadcast across Lebanon through public screenings.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of a response of "unimaginable" proportions if Hezbollah were to open a second front in the ongoing conflict. The situation remains highly sensitive, with a focus on Nasrallah's imminent speech and its potential implications.
[With information sourced from BBC]
