Israel's navy is preparing to blockade the ports of Beirut and Tripoli should Hezbollah join the fighting, Maariv reported. If the group moves against Israel, the IDF also plans to capture the cities of Tyre, Sidon and Nabatieh and hold them.
None of these steps is set to take effect unless Hezbollah enters the conflict. The plans are contingent on the group's decision, and the IDF intends to answer any such move with heavy firepower.
An Israeli assessment cited by VINnews describes the same posture, with the IDF readying an especially forceful response if Hezbollah opens fire. Armored Brigade 7, which has fought in Lebanon for about a year, recently began a rest and rehabilitation period. Its soldiers are recovering while tanks and other armored vehicles receive maintenance, and the brigade is due to restart training on the Golan Heights within days so it can redeploy quickly if the northern front requires it.
Accounts of Hezbollah's intentions differ. Lebanese media reported on Saturday that the group was weighing entry into the conflict if Israel struck Iran and hit its energy infrastructure and other strategic sites.
The Saudi daily Asharq Al-Awsat reported on October 24 that Hezbollah had told Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri it did not intend to intervene on Iran's behalf in a new war between Tehran, the United States and Israel. As JFeed reported, concern is growing in Beirut over a third round of fighting despite that reported assurance.
