After years of constant provocations, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have finally responded with decisive action against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
For too long we have been the target of aggression, our cities have had rockets fired indiscriminately, and strategic threats have lurked beyond our borders. After numerous warnings and international appeals, the moment has now come for Israel to defend itself without apology. It is high time.
To be clear, this response is not only justified, it is long overdue. Imagine if Mexico took over parts of California or fired missiles into Texas – would the United States react differently? Of course not.
No sovereign state can stand idly by while its citizens are targeted and its security undermined. Israel is no exception, and as a nation we stand up for our right to live in peace and free from the shadow of terror.
But while this moment is a necessary and courageous step, we must all be prepared for what lies ahead. This is not a simple exchange of blows or a minor dispute; it is a significant escalation that could pose real challenges.
Hezbollah is no small adversary – it is a well-armed, well-funded terrorist organization backed by Iran that has been preparing for this confrontation for years. We know their tactics: they hide weapons in civilian areas, use human shields, and spread disinformation to portray Israel as the aggressor. But make no mistake; Hezbollah’s goal is clear: to disrupt our lives, spread fear, and, if possible, inflict real damage at the heart of our nation.
For Israelis, this means they must be alert and prepared. Long-range missiles could soon attack buildings in central Israel, a scenario we have not seen since the Gulf War. Sirens could become routine and the security of normality could become a distant memory.
Every citizen, whether in the North, the Center or the South, must take these threats seriously. Get into your shelters, stock up on essentials, make sure you have a plan for your family and be ready to act quickly when the alarm sounds.
Our government and our military leaders have made it clear: this will not be an easy time. The Israeli military is expanding its operations in the Bekaa Valley, a region of Lebanon that Hezbollah has turned into a stronghold for missiles, drones and long-range strategic weapons.
Hezbollah is protected by civilians
The aim of the attacks is to dismantle this terror infrastructure, but the path to safety is not without obstacles. Hezbollah has hidden its weapons in residential areas, turning civilian homes into weapons depots. This is not only a military challenge, but also a moral one – our armed forces must navigate an environment of complex ethical dilemmas while protecting our country from imminent threats.
But amidst all the chaos, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture. This conflict is not about revenge or mere retaliation; it is about survival. Hezbollah has been stockpiling weapons for years, many of them from Iran, with the express intention of using them against us.
Israelis must also be aware that international criticism will follow. We are already hearing voices from all over the world lamenting the civilian casualties in Lebanon. But these critics often ignore a fundamental truth: Hezbollah’s use of human shields is a war crime.
Israeli forces have repeatedly called on Lebanese civilians to leave the areas where Hezbollah has hidden its weapons, but this warning has not always been heeded. Hezbollah’s strategy is to hide behind the innocent and hope for sympathy when the inevitable happens. But Israel must not be deterred by this tactic. We must stand firm and know that our actions are just and necessary.
As we move forward, patience and resilience will be our greatest strengths. There may be dark days ahead. Remember, this is not just a battle of bombs and bullets; it is a battle of wills. Israel’s resilience has always been our greatest weapon. We have faced existential threats before, and each time we have emerged stronger.
Stay strong, be prepared and keep your faith. This is our homeland and we will protect it with all our might. Stand with the Israel Defense Forces, support our security forces and know that we will weather this storm together. Israel will win because it must – because our only option is to fight for our survival.
