The Israeli military announced that it killed two Hezbollah commanders, Moustafa al-Haj Ali and Mohammad Ali Hamdan, in strikes. Ali was responsible for missile attacks towards northern Israel, while Hamdan was an anti-tank unit commander. The IDF also targeted ammunition and weapons depots in Beirut and southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s warning to Lebanese civilians about rising up against Hezbollah or facing destruction similar to Gaza has sparked concerns about Israel’s goals in Lebanon. The mixed signals, including an expanding ground invasion and troops raising a flag outside a border village, have left observers questioning whether Israel’s military operation is truly limited. Netanyahu’s statement has been interpreted as a choice between civil war in Lebanon or facing a fate similar to that of Palestinians in Gaza. The warning has raised fears of potential destruction and suffering if Lebanon does not act against Hezbollah. Netanyahu’s message delivered in English has added to the uncertainty surrounding Israel’s intentions in Lebanon.
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