As concerns about the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip continue to mount, there is a growing sense of unease in Washington and Western capitals. The fear is that Israel’s military actions could potentially lead to a broader regional conflict involving Iran or its proxy forces.
On Sunday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi declared that Israel had “crossed red lines,” which might compel a response from multiple parties. While many experts believe that both Washington and Tehran are not eager for a regional war, the situation is delicate, and the high intensity of Israel’s actions in Gaza, resulting in a significant number of casualties, including civilians and children, could trigger an uncontrollable escalation.
Sanam Vakil, the director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, a London-based think tank, expressed concern about the risk of escalation. In recent weeks, Hezbollah militants, backed by Iran, have been engaged in rocket exchanges with Israel along the northern border with Lebanon. Both sides have reported casualties, raising tensions in the region.
Furthermore, Iran recently issued a warning that it might launch missiles at the Israeli port city of Haifa if Israel conducts a full-scale ground offensive in Gaza. Additionally, there have been drone and rocket attacks on U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria by militias linked to Iran. In response, the U.S. deployed two carrier groups to the Mediterranean Sea and conducted airstrikes in Syria.
Although Iran and Hezbollah likely want to avoid a wider conflict, their threats may be aimed at deterring a full-scale Israeli ground invasion. However, the Iranian-backed militias operating independently from Tehran add another layer of unpredictability to the situation. While Iran supports Hamas, it denied direct involvement in a recent attack but expressed support for it.
Both Israel and Lebanon fear a repeat of the 2006 war, which resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage. Residents near the border are living in fear and uncertainty, with the threat of violence constantly looming.
Hezbollah possesses a substantial arsenal of weapons, surpassing even Hamas, and the potential for its use remains a source of concern for the U.S. and Israel. The fear of Iran developing a nuclear weapon further unites these traditional foes.
In Haifa, Rambam Hospital remains on high alert, prepared for a potential attack. The hospital has an extensive underground facility, constructed at a cost of around $110 million, capable of accommodating thousands of doctors and patients in the event of a missile strike. While the hospital has a well-planned evacuation process, it still depends on Israel’s Iron Dome defense system to intercept incoming rockets, which would take only 90 seconds to reach the city.
Dr. Michael Halberthal, the hospital’s director, expressed the hope that they would have a few hours to prepare, but in the worst-case scenario, they would have to respond while rockets are falling around them.
