Escalating Tensions in the Middle East: Mass Protests Erupt in Israel

Recent developments in the Middle East have reignited hostilities, particularly following the end of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Armed confrontations have once again flared between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, prompting widespread unrest within Israel itself.

For the first time in months, militants in Lebanon launched rocket attacks towards Israel. In response, the Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes targeting multiple Hezbollah positions. Hezbollah has denied any involvement in these attacks. The renewed aggression at the border aligns with Israel's recent military operations in Gaza, effectively ending the ceasefire with Hamas. Compounding the situation, the Houthi militia in Yemen has resumed launching rockets towards Israel.

In the early hours, air raid sirens sounded across various regions in Israel, with the military reporting interception of a rocket fired from Yemen before it could enter Israeli territory. Residents in central Tel Aviv reported hearing explosions, although there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

On the eve of these military escalations, local media reported that over 100,000 Israelis participated in mass protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Demonstrators accused the government of jeopardizing hostage negotiations with Hamas amidst the resurgence of violence in Gaza. Public anger also surged following the government's decision to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of the internal security service, a move that the Supreme Court has temporarily halted. Netanyahu cited a loss of confidence in Bar, while opposition leaders suspect ulterior motives, suggesting that the dismissal relates to investigations into alleged illegal connections involving Netanyahu's associates and Qatar.

In light of the escalating tensions, the United States is reportedly deploying an additional aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, to the region. Current reports indicate that it will join the USS Harry S. Truman, which is already stationed in the area. This deployment aims to bolster U.S. military presence amid rising hostilities, particularly against the Houthi forces in Yemen. A week prior, U.S. military operations, ordered by President Trump, commenced against Houthi positions, with Trump pledging to intensify attacks until the militia is "completely destroyed." He also indicated that the U.S. would hold Iran accountable for any actions taken by the Houthis and warned of unspecified repercussions for the Islamic Republic.

The Houthis, along with Hamas and Hezbollah, form part of Iran's so-called resistance front against Israel. With Israel's military campaign in Gaza effectively nullifying the ceasefire with Hamas, concerns are mounting regarding a potential escalation of conflict along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Recent rocket fire from both sides underscores the fragility of the ceasefire agreement established in late November. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has characterized the current situation as "extremely fragile" and has cautioned of the risk of renewed violence.

According to Israeli military sources, three rockets fired from Lebanon were intercepted. However, Hezbollah has rejected any responsibility for the attacks. Lebanese security sources have indicated that these incidents mark the first Hezbollah attacks on Israel since the ceasefire commenced. In retaliation, the Israeli military has launched artillery strikes against several locations in southern Lebanon, deploying tanks and machine guns, with Israeli air support reported overhead. Casualty reports indicate at least six fatalities, including a young girl, as the Israeli forces target Hezbollah positions.

Lebanon's Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, has warned that Israel could drag his country into a new war. He has called for international pressure on the United Nations to facilitate Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Although a significant Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon has occurred, five military posts remain near the border, which the Lebanese government views as a violation of the ceasefire agreement.