Bou Habib: Israel Faces Tough Battle in Lebanon War

Lebanon’s caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib has issued a caution to Israel, stating that a war against Lebanon would be challenging and could lead to widespread rocket attacks against Israel. In a television interview, Bou Habib emphasized Lebanon’s alignment with the broader Arab stance, expressing a desire to avoid an escalation of the ongoing war.

He highlighted the significance of choosing between a regional war and an internal conflict, favoring the former due to its finite nature compared to the potentially endless consequences of a civil war. Bou Habib also acknowledged Hezbollah’s role as a Lebanese group that is cognizant of the nation’s interests. However, he pointed out the Lebanese government’s opposition to rocket launches by certain non-Lebanese groups in the region.

The ongoing cross-border skirmishes have resulted in significant casualties in Lebanon, with over 190 people killed, including more than 140 Hezbollah fighters and over 20 civilians, three of whom were journalists. On the Israeli side, nine soldiers and six civilians have lost their lives, as reported by Israeli authorities.

The conflict has also led to the displacement of tens of thousands of residents from both Lebanon and Israel. Israel has expressed its determination to enable the return of its citizens to their homes, even if it necessitates a military operation.