Israeli commander expresses concern over Hezbollah opening second front against Israel

KIRYAT SHMONA, Israel

Israeli Maj. David Baruch expressed serious concerns Saturday about Hezbollah opening a second front against Israel.

He spoke to Anadolu in Israel's northern city of Kiryat Shmona, a few miles from the Lebanese border, and provided an assessment of the situation on the border, where clashes have occurred between Hezbollah and the Israeli army.

"We are very concerned that Hezbollah will try and pull us into a second front," said the Israeli commander, adding that Tel Aviv is trying its "hardest not to get involved with that."

Baruch, who said Israel does not wish to engage in conflict with Hezbollah, indicated that Tel Aviv is trying to do "everything possible on their side."

"We have no interest whatsoever in going to war against Hizballah in Lebanon," he said.

US deployment in eastern Mediterranean

About whether Israel perceives the US warship sent to the region as a guarantee against Hezbollah, Baruch said that Washington “is sending a message to many players" with this move.

The US deployed two aircraft carriers and other warships to the eastern Mediterranean in a move meant to deter others from intervening in the ongoing hostilities. But it has raised the possibility of the US getting involved in what could be a rapidly spiraling cycle of violence.

Baruch emphasized Israel’s readiness to defend the country on all fronts.

Up until 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Lebanese border, there has been a "full evacuation of the civilian population," said Baruch, adding around half of the residents "I would say actually have self-evacuated."

Also, those who cannot "self-evacuate will continue to be evacuated by the Homefront command," he said.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

At least 4,385 Palestinians, including 1,756 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza. The figure stands at more than 1,400 in Israel.