The circumstances remained extremely challenging for Israel after the attack on 7 October 2023. Attacks, first by Hamas and then by Hezbollah, caused massive destruction in the south and north of the country, and millions of Israeli citizens were forced to flee their homes. A year ago, Israel’s ‘negligence’ is said to have led to a horrific massacre by Hamas. In this attack, around 1200 Israelis were murdered in their homes. The Israeli army came to know about this much later. Under these circumstances, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) needed to win back the trust of its citizens and reestablish its security capability. Today, almost a year later, the Israeli army has shown through its precise and effective attacks that it is fully capable of protecting its citizens. Now Israel is retaliating, Hezbollah is paying the price of overconfidence, and Iran is retreating
Israeli army’s response to Hezbollah
Following repeated rocket attacks from Hezbollah over the past several weeks, the Israeli military gradually escalated its crackdown and signaled that it would hold out until the country’s more than 60,000 displaced civilians can safely return to their homes. The sequence will continue. This time, Israel’s political and military leadership took concrete action, rather than just making threats. In mid-September 2024, Israeli forces detonated the pager devices of thousands of Hezbollah members. The action was not only technically brilliant, but also had deep symbolic significance.
Elimination of leadership and attack on Hezbollah’s capabilities
Israeli forces eliminated several important terrorist commanders, targeting most of Hezbollah’s leadership. Hezbollah’s special ‘Radwan Force’ was planning to attack the historic Galilee region. Israel launched a major attack on him. Along with this, rocket and missile bases of Hezbollah were also attacked. These attacks were especially carried out at places where weapons were hidden in the homes of civilians.
After every major attack, the Israeli army waited to see if Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah would understand their message. But Nasrallah continued his attacks. Therefore, Israeli forces targeted Nasrallah on 26–27 September 2024 and it was confirmed the next day that he had been killed.
Hamas eliminated
Before Hezbollah, Israel eliminated the leadership of Hamas. Mohammed Daif, Ismail Haniyeh and Saleh al-Arouri, prominent Hamas leaders and founders of the terrorist organization’s military wing, were killed in Israeli airstrikes and drone strikes in 2024. Mohammed Daif was killed by Israeli warplanes in the Khan Yunis area of Gaza on 13 July 2024. Daif was one of the founders of the Qassam Brigades and survived seven Israeli assassination attempts and is believed to have masterminded the attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023.
Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in a missile strike on a state guest house in Tehran, Iran on 31 July 2024. Israel did not officially claim responsibility for the attack, but Haniyeh’s killing was confirmed by Hamas. Additionally, Saleh al-Arouri, Hamas deputy chief of staff and founder of the Qassam Brigades, was killed by an Israeli drone strike in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, on 2 January 2024.
Growing confidence of Israeli citizens
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly that Israel will not rest until its citizens return safely to their homes. His message was clear that Israel will not allow another October 7 incident to happen on its northern border.
Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari also stressed that the fight is not over yet, but the army is now stronger and more prepared than ever. Hezbollah still has some strategic capabilities, but the Israeli military is making steady moves toward weakening them and eliminating the threat.
direct attack on iran
Israel’s military action sent a direct message not only to Hezbollah but also to their supporter Iran. Netanyahu warned that if Iran attacks Israel, Israel will give a befitting reply. The question now is whether Iran will see its ally Hezbollah succumb to Israeli forces or risk further attacks.
challenges ahead
Although Israel has achieved major success against Hezbollah, challenges remain. Hamas has not been completely destroyed in Gaza and 97 hostages are still imprisoned in Gaza. Additionally, thousands of displaced civilians in northern Israel have still not been able to return to their homes.
This step of the Israeli Army is proof that it is now more powerful than ever in defense of its country. Netanyahu and the Israeli leadership have made it clear that they will not compromise with their security. However, this fight is not over yet, and Israel may have to face more difficulties in the coming days. Israeli citizens are now feeling increasing confidence in their army, and this victory is not only a symbol of the strength of the army, but also a sign that Israel is now more serious and prepared than ever in terms of its security.
