In the aftermath of the most intense bombardment carried out by Hezbollah since the beginning of the war, the spokesperson for the occupation army stated that the option of a ground incursion into Lebanon is also on the table. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that there are many additional targets in the operation inside Iran, hinting that the war may be prolonged, citing the existence of thousands of remaining targets on the air force’s list.
Ron Krissi, a writer for the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, stated that “the upcoming bombardment on Israel from Iran and Hezbollah means we are facing a campaign that may last, but is necessary. Nine days have passed since Israel and the United States launched a large-scale attack on Iran, and despite what appears to be a decline in the number of launches from Iran, the end of the war is not yet in sight.”
Krissi added in an article that “over the weekend, Israel and the United States entered the ‘next phase’ of the war, while Hezbollah launched on Saturday night its most powerful attack since joining it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted that it may take time, claiming, ‘We have many more targets, and I will not specify them,’ while army spokesperson Effie Defrin stated that ‘the campaign may continue for a long time,’ though he emphasised its ‘necessity’.”
Krissi explained that “the winds of war are still blowing strongly within the US administration. President Donald Trump issued a threat to Iran following the landing of four B-1 bombers in Britain. Their arrival coincides with Pentagon preparations to escalate the pace of attacks. Additionally, the aircraft carrier George Bush is en route to the Middle East, accompanied by a task force consisting of three guided-missile destroyers, indicating US preparations for a prolonged campaign. A C-5M Super Galaxy transport aircraft, capable of carrying two M1 Abrams tanks, or six Apache helicopters, or 36 military vehicles, was also spotted at Fairford base in Gloucestershire.”
Regarding developments on the Lebanese front, the writer noted that “amid nearly continuous waves of attacks on the Beirut suburb, and despite numerous strikes on villages in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah launched a heavy barrage of dozens of rockets toward northern settlements. This represents an escalation since its entry into the campaign. In addition to this intense bombardment, the group has launched missiles and drones multiple times, indicating that despite the long campaign that began in October 2023, it still retains the ability to strike the rear of Israeli forces.”
He added that “beyond the launches, Hezbollah fighters are carrying out attacks on army forces stationed along the northern border and in southern Lebanon. Since joining the campaign, 14 Israeli soldiers have been wounded by anti-tank fire, including five in serious condition.”
In a related context, Krissi revealed that “Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and US Central Command Commander Brad Cooper have entered the ‘next phase’ of the war in Iran, which includes thousands of targets. After focusing in the first phase on regime targets, particularly weakening missile capabilities through intensive efforts to locate launch platforms and missiles, thousands of new targets have now been added to the strike list, specifically the military industry, with the aim of destroying it from the production stage to the final product.”
He claimed that “with regard to ballistic missiles, the US Israeli objective is to disable the entire chain, from production facilities, to storage depots, to launch platforms, and ultimately the senior officials and personnel operating them. The Israeli and US militaries intend to implement this objective soon against all Iranian military capabilities, using American bombers capable of penetrating deeply buried targets.”
These Israeli perspectives indicate that the coming days may witness a continued war on Iran, as what is referred to as the “target bank” continues to expand from one phase to another. At the same time, Iran and Hezbollah continue to demonstrate the ability to sustain confrontation, despite the losses they have incurred during the first week of this war.
