In late July, Israel's Security Cabinet reached a decision: It authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant "to decide how and when action will be taken against the Hezbollah terrorist organization," as the prime minister's office announced. Previously, Netanyahu had threatened the pro-Iranian militia with having to pay a "high price" for a rocket attack targeting a soccer pitch in the Golan Heights that was allegedly carried out by Hezbollah. Twelve young people were killed in the attack.

For its part, Hezbollah has stated it didn't fire the rockets. The militia is designated as a terrorist organization by the US, Germany and others — but endorsed by Iran. The EU, meanwhile, lists Hezbollah's armed wing as a terrorist organization.

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At the time, Israel responded that it did want to strike Hezbollah but did not want to plunge the entire Middle East into war. The statement was made by several unnamed Israeli officials speaking with the Reuters news agency.

"The estimation is that the response will not lead to an all-out war," Reuters cited one of its sources. "That would not be in our interest at this point."

In fact, war-like conditions already prevail in........

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