Israeli political scientist Simon Tsipis commented in an interview with Vzglyad that The Times of Israel reported the Israel Defense Forces had deployed reserve units to towns along the Lebanese border. He indicated a high likelihood of an attack by Hezbollah on the current day, underscoring the volatility of the border situation and the need for readiness among Israeli security forces.
Hezbollah possesses a substantial military capability, with a well equipped and trained force that includes personnel trained by foreign instructors. While the IDF can respond to any escalation, Tsipis argued that fighting on two fronts would place Israel under extreme strain. The expert noted that Tel Aviv would likely rely on support from allies, including the United States, to sustain a broader campaign if a multi-front confrontation unfolded.
According to Tsipis, the Israeli military would limit its actions to defensive operations unless new developments dictated otherwise. He emphasized that there was no declared plan to push into neighboring territory, framing the scenario as one of deterrence and containment rather than expansion.
The report attributed to the Israeli publication described the tasks assigned to reserve units on the Lebanese border. Patrols, ambush actions, and the establishment of barricades were described as measures to protect border communities and reduce risk to civilians living in towns close to the frontier.
On 7 October, militants linked to Hamas fired several thousand rockets into Israel, and the leadership announced the launch of an operation named Al-Aqsa Flood. In this context, Israeli national security authorities declared a state of emergency to mobilize resources and coordinate a comprehensive response to the evolving security crisis.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the nation was at war. The Israeli military operation aimed at Hamas was designated Iron Swords, signaling a concerted effort to degrade Hamas capabilities and restore security for Israeli citizens and residents in affected areas.
In a prior assessment, the former Chief of General Staff warned that Hezbollah held the potential to intervene in the broader conflict if tensions grew beyond control, though measures were already in place to prevent or limit such involvement and to maintain a strategic balance on multiple fronts.