The UN Offers an Off-Ramp from All-Out War Between Hezbollah and Israel

UN peacekeeepers can make a difference

A UNIFIL logistical convoy departed from Naqoura and visited the Nepalese UN position 8-33 near Houla, South Lebanon, 2 July 2024. Photo by Pasqual GORRIZ (UN)

We are as close as ever to an all out war between Israel and Hezbollah.

A Hezbollah rocket attack killed 12 children and teenagers at a soccer field in the Golan Heights this weekend. The victims were all Druze and in a village that Israel annexed, but is internationally recognized to be an occupied territory. While Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire on a near daily basis since Hamas’ October 7 attacks, this was the first time that civilians—children no less—were killed in a mass casualty event caused by Hezbollah rocket fire.

Israel is preparing its response. This may include attacks on Hezbollah’s stronghold in Southern Beirut, which the Israeli military previously leveled to the ground during the last all out war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006. Hezbollah, meanwhile, has the capacity to strike deep into Israel, hitting…