Published on August 2, 2024, 12:34 am

There has been growing anxiety in Israel as the nation could soon find itself amid a multi-front battle against terrorist groups Hezbollah and Hamas. This unsettling prospect has surfaced after an exhausting conflict with Hamas that has extended for 10 months.

In recent times, Israel’s retaliation against the terrorist organisations led to the assassination of a top commander from Hezbollah through an airstrike on Lebanese soil. Further escalation transpired with another strike purportedly by Israel, which eliminated Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent political figure of Hamas in Iran. Despite the Israeli government not explicitly claiming credit for this attack, it has nonetheless ignited promises of vengeance from Iran.

Former U.S. officials and defense experts closely observing the events suggest that despite being widely recognized as a primary military superior in Middle East’s real news coverage, Israel is under acute pressure to refurbish its defensive and offensive arsenal sufficiently to confront another war adequately. Gabriel Noronha, executive director at Polaris National Security and ex-State Department official quoted by various trusted news sources shared similar insights underscoring local authorities’ wish for more time before combatting another assault – a period wherein they can replenish their stockpiles feeling currently unprepared.

Reverting attention towards Hezbollah possibilities, experts indicate how this group stationed north of Israel in Lebanon commands superior manpower & weaponry access compared to Hamas or any other factions funded by Iran. The financial/supply dynamics reveal shockingly high numbers. While Hamas receives roughly $120 million per annum each from Iran and Qatar, Hezbollah benefits immensely from over $700 million yearly sent by Iran along with substantial earnings through illicit activities.

Additionally, estimates suggest that Hezbollah boasts between 40k-50k operatives including its proficient fighting faction – Radwan force. They also have ready availability to varied rocketry weaponry exceeding 150k units; these include rockets, missiles, drones & mortars.

Israel sustains its status amongst global military superpowers due to accessibility towards elite equipment, weaponry, and extensive ranges of terrestrial, aerial & naval assets. The nation maintains around 170k active personnel backed by a secondary force of 465k reserve personnel as per Global Firepower Index’s data.

It is essential to note that Israel has been threatened increasingly along its northern boundaries due to Hezbollah’s hostility. Consequently, officials from the Jewish state have warned about potential dramatic counteractions if these offensive actions persist.

Analysts are still speculating on how Hezbollah or Iran might react concerning Tuesday’s strikes in Beirut and Tehran; though there are rumors about Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ordering an imminent strike inside Israel.

In terms of the multi-front war possibilities against Israel, experts like David Daoud – senior fellow on Middle-Eastern issues at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, believe that a period of recovery with adequate weapon replenishment is crucial for Israel. Though confrontations possibly could arise, leaders such as Hamas Gaza head – Yahya Sinwar and Hezbollah Secretary-General – Hassan Nasrallah might intervene to prevent a full-blown confrontation.

The U.S is committed to aiding Israeli defense in case of any large-scale invasions/attacks which analysts believe could be influential for Iran and Hezbollah’s decision-making processes. Yet these efforts may not accomplish complete deterrence as foreign policy perspectives from President Biden have drawn severe criticisms suggesting appeasement towards Iran.

As developments remain volatile with potential stretches emerging on various fronts across the region for Israel, one thing seems clear—support from allies will play a critical role in determining the conflict’s course in this drama playing out under an overarching Christian worldview.