Israeli Strikes On Hezbollah Targets In Southern Lebanon Spark Conflict Fears; US Imposes Sanctions On Israeli Group Tsav 9

Israeli jets and artillery struck multiple targets in southern Lebanon on Friday, responding to a barrage of missiles launched towards northern Israel.

This marks the third consecutive day of intensifying cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group operating in Lebanon.

On Thursday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching rockets and weaponized drones targeting nine Israeli military sites.

This coordinated attacks risk to marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has seen a steady increase in cross-border attacks following months of low-intensity skirmishes.

Israel’s Preparedness for Large-Scale Conflict

The Israeli military has issued warnings indicating its readiness to initiate a large-scale offensive on its northern border.

The consistent exchange of fire over the past eight months underscores a growing sentiment among Israeli military officials that the situation can no longer be ignored.

According to the CNN, analysts suggest that while neither side desires a full-scale war, the likelihood of such a conflict is increasing.

US Issues Sanctions In Israeli Group Tsav 9

In a related development, the U.S. government imposed sanctions on the Israeli group Tsav 9 on Friday, Reuters reports.

This group, associated with Israeli army reservists and Jewish settlers in the West Bank, has been accused of obstructing humanitarian aid convoys destined for Gaza.

The sanctions, part of an executive order signed by President Joe Biden in February targeting violence in the West Bank, highlight Washington’s efforts to address actions perceived as threats to peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Humanitarian Crisis In Gaza And The West Bank

The extension of Israeli military operations in Gaza has exacerbated the region’s humanitarian crisis.

Food supplies to southern Gaza are at risk, and displaced populations face severe public health challenges, according to a senior United Nations official.

In post on social media X, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), has raised concerns about the escalating health crisis due to deteriorating infrastructure in the West Bank, which has been impacted by increased attacks and movement restrictions.

Meanwhile, efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza have faced significant hurdles.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted on Wednesday that certain amendments proposed by Hamas to the U.S. truce proposal are not “workable.” Despite this, diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement continue, though hopes for an imminent ceasefire are diminishing. Both the U.S. Department of State and the European Union's European Council have placed Hamas in their foreign terrorist organization lists.

On Friday, the iShares MSCI Israel ETF EIS fell 0.44%.

Oil price rose snapping a 3-week losing streak, with the Brent crude up 0.8% to over $82 a barrel. The WTI rose 0.9% to $78 on Friday, and by over 4% for the week, marking the strongest weekly gains since February.

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