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Analysis: Hezbollah escalates attacks in northern Israel

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Hezbollah escalated its attacks over the weekend of May 31-June 1. The pro-Iranian media outlet Al-Mayadeen published a long list of Hezbollah claims that it attacked numerous locations in northern Israel. The escalation comes as the US and France push for a ceasefire in Gaza. Hezbollah says it supports the people of Gaza.

The Iran-backed group claimed it attacked the “Yiftach Barracks” as well as a “sensitive” military site and the “Biranit Barracks.” The group said it attacked the headquarters of the IDF’s 769th Brigade with heavy Burkan rockets. The group also said it shot down a Hermes 900 drone. Al-Mayadeen claimed this was the fourth Hermes drone shot down in May.

Hezbollah’s escalation comes as Hamas has announced a “war of attrition” in Gaza. It appears that Hezbollah is looking to step up its attacks as Hamas steps up its attacks on Israeli forces in Gaza. This is apparently part of a comprehensive offensive to show Israel that Iran’s “axis of resistance” is succeeding after nearly eight months of war.

Hezbollah’s attacks began with sirens in Metula at 11:44 a.m. on May 31. Hezbollah later also launched drone attacks on areas near Metula. Sirens also sounded in Acre in the afternoon.

“According to the sirens that sounded recently in the area of ​​the city of Acre, a UAV that entered Israeli territory from Lebanon was successfully intercepted by the IDF’s air defense system. Alarms have been raised in the area due to the risk of fragments falling from the interceptor,” the IDF said.

A hole that received a direct mortar hit is seen in the roof of a house in Metula near Israel’s border with Lebanon in northern Israel, October 12, 2023. (Source: REUTERS/LISI NIESNER)

Hezbollah later targeted the Kalil area in the northern Galilee and the Al-Kosh area.

Hezbollah began its attacks with drone strikes on the morning of June 1. The attacks continued throughout the day until sirens sounded in Acre in the evening. One of the attacks was classified as a false alarm.

Increasing tensions in the north

Hezbollah is trying to increase its attacks. This is a dangerous escalation that could lead to further tensions in the north. The downing of the drone and the attacks by Hezbollah, which appear to be moving deeper into Israeli territory, are worrying. In addition, pro-Iranian militias in Iraq continue to increase their threats through drone attacks. In addition, the Israeli army intercepted a cruise missile approaching the Golan Heights on Thursday.

Hezbollah and other groups linked to Iran are now increasingly attempting to attack Israel with drones and other weapons they have developed.

The use of a cruise missile, for example, is a serious escalation. This shows how Iran is exporting its technology to various groups in the region. According to recent reports, the country is also trying to supply more ballistic missile technology to the Houthis in Yemen. The Houthis have also increased their attacks since May 30, using numerous drones and ballistic missiles.

It is clear that Iran is trying to encircle Israel with proxy groups and carry out numerous attacks on different fronts. Iran calls this “unification of arenas.” The escalation over the weekend is an example of this attempt.

Hezbollah’s claims that it has targeted Israeli bases also show how Hezbollah is trying to show off its intelligence capabilities. For example, it recently said it wanted to target the Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

In the north, the overall picture is of an aggressive Hezbollah that is undeterred and ready to expand the conflict.



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