**Escalating Tensions: Israel's Strikes in Lebanon and Gaza Draw International Concern**

In a pointed critique, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the necessity of preventing Lebanon from experiencing a fate similar to Gaza. Despite this, several influential Israeli leaders appear determined to equate the two regions, identifying parallels between Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon to underline the threat they pose.

Lebanon, unlike Gaza, is integrated into the global systems of governance and finance. Hezbollah, while influential, does not control Lebanon's presidency or parliament. This sets it apart from Hamas, which fully governs Gaza and must maintain its societal structure. Israel tends to categorize them both as proxies of Iran, a portrayal reinforced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assertion to the United States Congress that Iran's "proxy" forces, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen, pose a unified threat to Israel and the West.

While Hezbollah and Hamas share a strong alliance with Iran, their relationship dynamics vary. Hezbollah aligns closely with Iran's regional ambitions, whereas Hamas operates more independently, despite receiving support from Iran. Notably, Hamas distanced itself from Iran for three years starting in 2011 over the Syrian conflict, and reportedly did not inform Iran ahead of its October 7 attack on Israel.

Israel has accused both Hamas and Hezbollah of positioning military assets within civilian-populated areas. Citing the use of schools, hospitals, and homes as shields, Israel justifies its extensive bombardment of Gaza, arguing that Hamas uses United Nations facilities for military purposes, allegedly violating the Geneva Convention. Similarly, Israel has claimed that Hezbollah is using homes in southern Lebanon for hiding missiles, as evidenced by an image released by the Israeli military showing a missile concealed in an attic.

Over recent weeks, Israel's military actions have led to significant casualties and displacement in Lebanon. To date, over 600 Lebanese have been killed, with more than 2,000 injured. The ongoing airstrikes have also caused mass displacement, with Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib reporting that approximately 500,000 people are now displaced. This figure includes thousands who have fled southern Lebanon, with some seeking refuge in Palestinian camps in southern Beirut, while others resort to bomb shelters, cars, or schools in Beirut.

Yousef Munayyer from the Arab Center Washington DC suggests that Israel’s tactics in Lebanon mirror those used in Gaza. The aim appears to be to exert pressure on Hezbollah without resorting to a prolonged ground invasion, hoping to avoid the protracted conflict experienced in Gaza. Israel’s strategy hinges on achieving a swift conclusion to avoid becoming entangled in another protracted battle.