Tensions Rise as Israel Prepares for Hezbollah Escalation on Lebanon Border

Israel is fortifying its border with Lebanon amid fears that Hezbollah will join the conflict, positioning military forces and clearing civilians from buffer zones. Both sides have exchanged fire multiple times since the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7. Hezbollah claims that eight of its fighters have been killed in Israeli strikes, while at least five Israelis have been killed, including three soldiers in a shootout with a Hezbollah gunman. The international community is trying to contain the risk of a wider battle, but the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is stoking anger and could push Hezbollah to escalate.