Report: Winter in mind as Israel eyes attacking Lebanon within 4-6 weeks

The upcoming winter factor is what has pushed Israel’s political and military leaders to mull an imminent attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Jerusalem Post has reported.

Sources told the Israeli newspaper that “if more than 4-6 weeks pass without an operation, it may be impossible -- or much harder -- to carry out such an operation until Spring 2025.”

“This would mean condemning the northern residents to another 6 months outside of their homes, something becoming increasingly untenable domestically in Israel,” the daily said.

Told that the Israeli army managed a “successful” invasion of Khan Younis and “defeated Hamas in Shejaia in northern Gaza in the middle of this past winter,” the sources said that the winter in mountainous Lebanon is far more fierce and difficult to manage than in the Gazan deserts.

“None of this means that a new broader war with Hezbollah is certain; it would still be a risky proposition for Israel, Hezbollah, and also for the sides’ sponsors: the U.S. and Iran,” the newspaper said.

“The U.S. could be drawn into a regional war – or at least be seen as having failed to prevent a larger one – after a year of diplomacy, which could impact the presidential election race,” it added.

“Iran could lose Hezbollah as its major potential threat against Israel should the Jewish state dare to think of attacking the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities. Hezbollah would undoubtedly remain the main player in Lebanon but might lose many of its most feared capabilities. This is the riskiest time in the North since October 7,” the Jerusalem Post said.