Tel-Aviv - A full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah would be catastrophic, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The ongoing conflict has already led to significant casualties and displacement, with fears of further escalation looming large.

In Kiryat Shmona, Israel, residents face near-daily rocket attacks from Hezbollah. Last month, a rocket landed in David Kamari’s front garden, causing severe damage to his home and narrowly missing him. Kamari’s house is filled with rubble and shrapnel, and his car was burned in the attack. He points to the holes where shrapnel pierced the walls, describing the relentless bombardment as unbearable: "Every day, every night: bombs. [It’s a] problem. If you live here one night, you go crazy."

Following the October 7 Hamas attacks, over 60,000 Israelis from northern regions have been evacuated due to increased Hezbollah rocket fire in support of Hamas. Kamari is one of the few who chose to stay, citing his lifelong residence and military background. "I’ve lived here 71 years," he stated. "I won’t go. I was in the army, I’m not afraid." His solution to the ongoing threat is straightforward: "War with Hezbollah; kill Hezbollah."

Israel has responded with intensified military action, targeting senior Hezbollah commanders and strategic sites within Lebanon. Hezbollah has escalated its attacks, launching larger volleys of drones and missiles across the border. Recent threats included drone footage of military installations and civilian infrastructure in Haifa. The mayor of Kiryat Shmona, Avichai Stern, underscores the untenable situation, stating, "I don't think there is any country in the world that would accept daily fire against its citizens." He emphasizes the urgent need for decisive action, framing the choice as "between war now or war later."

On the Lebanese side, more than 90,000 people have been evacuated. The mood remains grim, with residents of Beirut keeping suitcases packed and passports ready in case of all-out conflict. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has warned that no part of Israel would be spared in a full-scale war. Both sides possess significant military capabilities, backed by powerful allies, raising the stakes of any further escalation.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza significantly impacts the northern border situation. A ceasefire in Gaza could ease tensions with Hezbollah, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is committed to defeating Hamas before considering a ceasefire. Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari recently questioned the feasibility of completely destroying Hamas, noting that "the idea that we can destroy Hamas or make Hamas disappear is misleading to the public."

UN Secretary-General Guterres emphasized that the potential for a full-scale war would be a “catastrophe that goes beyond imagination,” exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation and risking further regional instability. The conflict's longer-term implications remain uncertain, with mounting pressure on Israel's government to find a resolution. Many Israelis demand stronger action following the October 7 attacks, seeing previous agreements with Hezbollah as insufficient. Criticism of Israel’s leadership is mounting, with calls for political change likely to grow once the conflicts conclude.