Escalation Near Lebanon-Syria Border Amid Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

An Israeli airstrike on the Lebanon-Syria border created a crisis as rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah prompted mass civilian evacuations. President Biden downplayed the likelihood of an all-out war, though military exchanges and more attacks were reported. The surge impacts global oil prices and increase geopolitical tensions.

An Israeli airstrike near the Lebanon-Syria border heightened tensions on Friday, cutting off a significant evacuation route for civilians fleeing conflict. This strike, confirmed by Lebanon's Transport Minister Ali Hamieh, left a four-meter-wide crater on a road near the Masnaa border crossing.

The Israeli Defence Forces accused Iran-backed Hezbollah of using the crossing to smuggle military equipment into Lebanon. IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee stated that the IDF would take necessary actions to prevent weapon smuggling, escalating the regional conflict's intensity.

The confrontation has raised fears of a broader conflict involving the U.S. and Iran as global oil prices rise due to concerns about Middle East instability. Despite the military activity, President Biden expressed optimism that an all-out war could be avoided, while emphasizing the need for diplomatic efforts to mitigate further escalation.

(With inputs from agencies.)