Israel-Lebanon latest: Tobias Ellwood warns of ‘very dangerous chapter’ in conflict as ground offensive launched
Tobias Elwood, speaking to GB News, has described Israel’s invasion of Lebanon as “inevitable” following recent airstrikes targeting Hezbollah leadership.
The Conservative MP warned that despite Israel’s claims of a limited operation, such incursions can become “very complex, very costly, and indeed very lengthy”.
Elwood drew parallels to previous Israeli operations in Lebanon in 2006 and 1982, suggesting this latest action could follow a similar pattern.
“Israel may be stressing this is a limited, localized operation, but there’s nothing simple about these operations,” Elwood stated.
He acknowledged that while Hezbollah has been weakened by recent airstrikes, the group “remains a formidable fighting capacity” with an extensive tunnel system and a substantial arsenal of Iranian-supplied missiles.
The Israeli military has been conducting targeted raids against Hezbollah positions along the southern Lebanese border as part of its Operation Northern Arrows.
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These actions come amidst heightened regional tensions, with Israel engaged in conflicts on multiple fronts.
The Lebanese health ministry reported at least 95 people killed and 172 wounded in these strikes.
The US has responded to the escalating situation by deploying additional troops and aircraft to the Middle East.
Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh confirmed that thousands more personnel, including fighter jet squadrons, will be sent to bolster existing forces in the region.
Elwood emphasised the ideological nature of Hezbollah, describing it as “an extremely well armed, well trained, ideological Islamic military militia for which dying is actually part of your cause”.
He noted that the group’s name translates to “the party of God”, underscoring their religious motivation.
“This fight, as it’s about to unfold, is exactly what they’ve signed up for and trained for, ready to martyr themselves,” Elwood warned.
The MP expressed concern that what Israel describes as a “limited incursion” could evolve into a more protracted conflict.
Elwood suggested that the world is at a “crossroads” in terms of Middle East peace, with potential ramifications extending beyond the region.
The MP warned that Israel’s incursion into Lebanon could trigger a response from the Lebanese government and army.
Elwood called for increased Western response and defence spending, arguing for a move to “3 per cent GDP spend” on defence.
He emphasised the urgency of the situation, saying: ” Our world is moving into a very dangerous chapter indeed. The storm clouds are gathering again as this axis develops to channel our world order, and it’s playing out right in front of us, not just in the Middle East, but also in Ukraine as well.”