The Lebanese are preparing for Israel's retaliation against Hezbollah

2024-07-31 15:59:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Tensions in the Middle East are escalating further, following Israeli strikes on Tuesday against Hezbollah targets in seven areas in southern Lebanon.

As VOA's Jerusalem correspondent Linda Gradstein reports, residents of Lebanon and Israel are bracing for a fierce Israeli retaliation in response to Hezbollah's rocket attack on Sunday that killed 12 Druze children.

The streets of Jerusalem are tense but not panicky as residents await Israeli retaliation after a weekend Hezbollah attack that killed 12 Druze children and teenagers on a soccer field. The attack has shocked and angered Israelis.

"I am very concerned about the situation between Israel and Hezbollah. I am concerned about their capacity to exterminate us and I don't think our government is protecting us. I don't think that the interest of the people is at its heart", says Yehudit Levinson, a resident of Jerusalem.

Most Israelis say their military must retaliate, even if it results in any Hezbollah rocket attacks on Israel. It is believed that the militant group has about 150,000 rockets that can reach all parts of Israel.

"If someone comes to your house and kills one of your children, what would you do? Would you sit down and think of the consequences if you take revenge...? No sense. There are no dilemmas. We have to attack much harder," says Sharon Kashi, a resident of Jerusalem.

Residents do not express panic, but have started collecting water and food.

"Last week, a friend from the north visited me and told me that you should have reserves. He wanted to buy me a few canisters of water, but I told him to bring me only one because I don't have room", says Hyla Kompej, a resident of Jerzualem.

Across the border, in Lebanon, most foreign airlines have canceled flights. However, the beaches are still packed with locals and residents of southern Lebanon, many of whom say they hope the border tensions will not spark a full-scale war.

"The situation is very good. People come and go. There is a fear of an Israeli attack, but people are living their lives normally, without fear," says Ali Husseini, a resident of Tyre.

"As for the war, people are afraid and are monitoring the situation. We are following the developments from day to day and pray that it does not escalate", says Husam Saffeidine, another resident of Tire city.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site where Hezbollah fired rockets and killed 12 children. While the militant group continues to deny responsibility, both the United States and Israel say Hezbollah alone possesses the missiles used in the attack.

Publicly and privately, US officials have called on Israel to show restraint. Israeli analysts say that while Israel believes it must retaliate, neither Israel nor Hezbollah want the situation to escalate into a full-scale war. Residents of both countries are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.