Former NATO Commander Warns of Possible Escalation
A warning has been issued that the war between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas has a 25% chance of expanding into a wider regional conflict.
James Stavridis, former commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), stated in an MSNBC interview on the 29th (local time) that tensions between Israel and Lebanon are escalating, raising concerns about the conflict spreading.
Stavridis said, "About two months ago, I estimated the chance of this war spreading to a wider region at 10%. If Israel attacks Hezbollah, Iran will get involved in a significant way, which could draw the United States in." He added, "Now, that probability has increased to about 25%."
The current war, which began when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, has resulted in approximately 20,000 deaths in the Palestinian Gaza Strip and around 1,200 deaths in Israel. At least 300 people have also died in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, armed clashes between Israel and the Lebanese armed faction Hezbollah are intensifying. Due to rocket attacks by Hezbollah from Lebanon, which borders Israel, and Israeli airstrikes, more than 15 people have died on the Israeli side and over 160 in Lebanon.
Additionally, Stavridis paid attention to recent remarks by Benny Gantz, former Minister of Defense and leader of Israel's second-largest opposition party, the National Unity Party, who participated in the wartime cabinet. Gantz told reporters that there is little time left for a diplomatic solution, and if the world and the Lebanese government do not push Hezbollah out of the border area, Israel will do so. Stavridis expressed concern, saying, "He is a very serious, calm, and restrained figure."
Jonathan Conricus, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, recently stated, "Hezbollah, Iran's proxy, is dangerously dragging Lebanon into an unnecessary war."
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