Amid heightened tensions following Israel’s airstrikes on Palestine, Lebanon’s Hezbollah group announced on Monday that it has commenced the dismantling of surveillance cameras on various Israeli army posts along the border, Associated Press reported.
With the Palestinian death toll from Israeli strikes exceeding 2,800, Hezbollah’s military media arm released a video depicting snipers targeting and destroying surveillance cameras situated at five strategic points along the Lebanon-Israel border, including one near the Israeli town of Metula.
Hezbollah’s actions seemingly aim to obstruct the Israeli army’s surveillance of movements on the Lebanese side of the border, following days of intense exchange that resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals, including four Hezbollah fighters, on the Lebanese side.
Since the October 7 counterattack by Palestinian soldiers against decades-long occupation forces, Israel has been reining in its assaults on Gaza. In response, Hezbollah fighters launched anti-tank missiles at Israeli army positions, prompting Israeli troops to shell border areas on the Lebanese side.
Israel and Hezbollah have a longstanding enmity, exemplified by their monthlong conflict in 2006. Israel perceives the Iran-backed Shiite militant group as its most immediate and serious threat, estimating that Hezbollah has approximately 150,000 rockets and missiles aimed at Israel.
Amid growing concerns that the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah might join the conflict, U.S. President Joe Biden cautioned other stakeholders in the Middle East against involvement and dispatched American warships to the region, affirming full support for Israel.
Hezbollah legislator Hassan Fadlallah indicated on Sunday that the group is prepared for any eventuality, refraining from disclosing their next move but affirming that it is contingent on the developments in Gaza.
Meanwhile, France’s top diplomat expressed apprehension over the tense situation along the Lebanon-Israel border on Monday, urging restraint. Following meetings with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker Nabih Berri, and army chief Gen. Joseph Aoun, he underscored the need for de-escalation in the region.
