Israeli defense officials believe Hezbollah has indicated no retaliation following dramatic Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The move could prevent escalation along Israel’s northern border.
Hezbollah clarified that it “will not initiate its own attack on Israel in retaliation for Israel’s strikes,” an official told Reuters. Secretary-General Naim Qassem condemned Israel as the “criminal Israeli enemy and its tyrannical sponsor, America,” but made no pledge to open a new front. His stance aligns with Lebanon’s Free Patriotic Movement, which warned that “Lebanon should not be a party to this conflict,” urging the preservation of neutrality.
Hezbollah’s restraint surprises many, given its history of cross-border attacks. But over recent months, Israeli forces have systematically dismantled much of its military strength. Last September, a covert operation eliminated top leaders, destroyed about 70% of its missile and drone capabilities, and devastated its pager-based communications . These strategic losses likely influenced Hezbollah’s decision to sit this round out.
According to a Hezbollah spokesperson, the group “remains committed to the ceasefire agreement, even though Israel has not respected this commitment.” Yet Qassem emphasized that Iran “can defend itself and its choices,” shifting the spotlight back to Tehran.
Israel’s pre-dawn Operation Rising Lion struck nuclear, military, and scientific targets. Iran responded with a massive barrage of drones and missiles aimed at homes and civilian infrastructure in major cities across Israel. Israel countered all drone threats, showcasing its robust air defenses, though debris from some missiles landed in civilian areas causing several deaths and injuries.
This outcome suggests Israel achieved a core objective: neutralizing Iran’s nuclear capabilities while avoiding a broader regional war. Hezbollah’s declaration of no retaliation preserves relative calm in Lebanon and forestalls wider conflict.
