Diplomats accredited in Lebanon have intentionally conveyed very negative indicators in recent hours, concerning both the political and security levels in the country, specifically related to developments in the ongoing war on the southern front. A non-political source revealed to the Kuwaiti newspaper "Al-Anbaa" that the diplomatic approach to the course of the open confrontation along the southern borders has changed from what it was previously. While diplomatic language a week ago spoke about the continuation of the current status quo until after the US presidential elections, recent discussions have shifted dramatically, suggesting that one should expect unpleasant surprises from Benjamin Netanyahu, who will return from Washington more emboldened and unconcerned by the pressures exerted on him to prevent the war from expanding.
The source explained that the Israeli Prime Minister, according to heads of diplomatic missions, will not hesitate to approve military operations in Lebanon that could lead to massacres similar to those that occurred in Khan Younis. Hezbollah and Amal did well to cancel the Ashura processions, particularly in Tyre, Nabatieh, and Al-Khayyam, because the Israelis will not hesitate to target any figure present at the procession, even if that results in dozens or even hundreds of casualties.
The source confirmed that Netanyahu has given direct instructions at the Israeli military-security level to escalate assassination operations targeting Hezbollah leaders, regardless of the consequences. The alarming aspect is that the security envoys who recently visited Beirut and met with representatives from Hezbollah do not have information about the nature of the military and security operations in the third phase, neither in the Gaza Strip nor in Lebanon. The likelihood is that Netanyahu will not seek to conclude a ceasefire agreement but will instead move to the third phase without a deal, keeping his hand free to execute military and security operations that he deems selective.
The source indicated that this matter will not be accepted by Hezbollah, as permitting security operations in Lebanon by Israel would mean a continuation of the war. Furthermore, the escalation in targeted attacks and the level of leadership that the Israelis may resort to targeting could make the party unable to maintain self-restraint, thereby expanding the war to the brink, according to "Al-Anbaa" Kuwait.
