Tensions Rise: Israel and Hezbollah on the Brink of War

A senior Israeli official has warned that Israel is "closer to war" with Hezbollah and a possible regional war than ever, as Israeli and Hezbollah forces continue to trade fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border. Tens of thousands of regular troops and reservists are stationed in Israel's north, and nearly 100,000 Israelis and tens of thousands of Lebanese have evacuated their towns due to the fighting. Israel is hoping for U.S. intervention to broker a deal with Lebanon to pressure Hezbollah to pull back from the border, but a cease-fire is contingent on a cease-fire in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to operate with ferocity in Gaza, with the defense minister emphasizing the need for victory and the demilitarization of Hamas.