IDF Strikes Hezbollah Amid Iran Tensions

With the United States considering strikes on Iran, the IDF has escalated its strikes against Iran’s terror proxy, Hezbollah, in Lebanon. The Times of Israel reports that these actions are based on assessments that Hezbollah may join Iran against Israel in the event of such a conflict. The IDF confirmed that eight terrorists were killed in Friday night’s strikes, including a senior officer.

According to Israeli assessments, Iran has recently been pressuring Hezbollah to fight alongside it in the event of a war with Israel. During the 12-day war with Iran in June, Hezbollah secretary general Naim Qassem received several requests — not orders — from Iran to join the conflict, but declined, according to IDF officials.

In the event of a conflict between the US and Iran, Tehran can be expected to activate its proxy forces arrayed around the region against Israel, including Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis and militias in Iraq, according to the recent Israeli assessments. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would also launch attacks.

Hezbollah is widely considered to be Iran’s most prized proxy, built up over decades as a strategic deterrent for Tehran situated on Israel’s northern border, and ties between the terror group and the Islamic Republic are thought to go deeper than the handsome funding Iran provides.

It has also been reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has taken operational control of the terror group in anticipation of a war with the United States and Israel. IRGC officers are said to be in Lebanon inspecting missile sites previously destroyed by Israel, with the goal of rebuilding them.

Israel reports that up to 80% of Hezbollah’s rocket capabilities have been destroyed. However, the terror group is still believed to possess several thousand short-range rockets, which could strike Israeli communities if launched from positions near the border.

Israel, the Middle East, and the United States remain on high alert, with forces amassing across the region and diplomatic talks yielding limited progress. As The Fellowship assists with security and emergency response efforts in the Holy Land, we pray for safety and for shalom — peace — with every effort we make during these uncertain times.