At Israel-Lebanon Border, Fears Grow of a Second Battlefront
Live MintSHOMERA, Israel—Israeli infantry and artillery units are digging in along the country’s northern border with Lebanon, reinforcing a stretch of frontier that could become a dangerous second front if Iran-backed Hezbollah militants launch broader attacks. Deadly, but so far sporadic, clashes with Hezbollah have already erupted in the area, as the bulk of the Israeli military is massing in southern Israel, poised to launch a major ground offensive in Gaza against Hamas militants who have killed more than 1,300 Israelis since last weekend. Israel’s defense minister vowed to send Lebanon back to “the Stone Age" if Hezbollah attacked. Israeli soldiers spread out along the Lebanese border vowed to deliver a punishing blow to Hezbollah if the militant force decides to launch a major attack on Israel.