By Athena Papakosta

The Israeli Air Force hit 290 targets in the south on Saturday Lebanonkilling at least three people. OR Hezbollahin the early hours of Sunday, responded by launching at least 150 rockets and drones against Israeli territory with thousands of Israelis seeking refuge in the deepest strikes against Israeli soil since the war began last October.

The images of destruction from Israel are a worrying sign for Israeli air defenses five days after the hybrid sabotage they succeeded against the Iranian-backed Shiite group. However, Israel seems to be waiting for any response from Hezbollah. One need only look at the increasingly severe blows he is unleashing against the organization that is a state within a state in Lebanon.

“If Hezbollah didn’t get the message, I promise you it will,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, with the organization’s deputy head, Naim Kassem, replying that Hezbollah has entered a new phase in the conflict. clarifying that it is ready to face “all military contingencies”.

As everything shows the ignition of the nightmare is closer than ever or as analysts note it is just a matter of time. The Israel he does not seem willing to take a step back, while he builds up his forces on the border with Lebanon. At the same time, Hezbollah, humiliated after the well-coordinated killing strikes against it, cannot stand idly by and limit itself to reactions that will only save its lost dignity.

Israel’s moves appear to be designed to shift the balance of power on its northern border and stop the Shiite armed group from launching strikes against its territory. However, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has already vowed revenge, making it clear that he will only stop if there is a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

With peace in the Palestinian enclave looking like an unlikely scenario, Israel’s closest allies are preparing for the worst.

The United States, France, the United Kingdom and others call for restraint and argue that only diplomacy will lead to an exit from the Lebanese minefield. However, in the last 24 hours there has not been a single action that leads one step closer to de-escalation, while it remains uncertain whether anyone is listening to them. Israel is still doing what we call its head and the region looks like a boiling cauldron again. As long as the war in Gaza continues, as analysts and war experts explain, everyone’s hands are tied.