Middle East Regional War May Be Inevitable

Is all hell about to break loose in the Middle East?

It certainly looks that way. Hezbollah’s attack last week killed a dozen Israeli children and teens on a soccer field. It occurred in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.

Israel responded with a strike in Beirut, Lebanon. It killed senior commander Fuad Shukr. Israel believes he is responsible for the attack in Israel. Four others also died in Israel’s counter attack.

Hours earlier, an Israeli strike assassinated Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. This attack occurred in Iran’s capital, Tehran.

The United Nations Security Council met in an emergency session. That’s where Iran threatened “eternal regret” for Israel.

It Started on Oct. 7

Concerns about a wider regional war breaking out have surfaced. Ever since Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack in Israel.

Israel’s retribution has been relentless in Gaza. Many civilians and Hamas soldiers have died. Hundreds of buildings destroyed. And much infrastructure damaged.

The U.S. and other countries have encouraged Israel to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza. Israel has said its strikes are necessary to wipe out Hamas.

Ceasefire talks have been off and on for months. Sometimes agreements seem close. But then another incident disrupts negotiations.   

‘Hezbollah crossed the red line’

Yoav Gallant is the Israeli minister of defense. Following the Hezbollah attack on Israeli children, he wrote this on social media. “Hezbollah crossed the red line.”

The targeted Israeli retaliatory strike in Lebanon destroyed an apartment building. The hospital next door sustained minor damage.

Shukr was a senior adviser to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. He was also known as Hajj Mohsin

The immediate response from the U.S. State Department was this. “Israel has every right to defend itself. Certainly… from malign Iran-backed proxies like Hezbollah.” The statement added that Israel faces threats like no other country does.   

Threats and Counter-Threats

The two Israeli attacks have angered officials in Iran and Lebanon. Ali Ammar is a Hezbollah parliamentarian.

He said, “The enemy (Israel) demands war and we are up for it. God willing, we are up for it.”

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is Iran’s Supreme leader. He said, “You killed our dear guest (Haniyeh) in our house. And now have paved the way for your harsh punishment.”

During the U.N. Security Council meeting, Israel’s representative Jonathan Miller spoke. Here’s what he called Iran. “The very engine driving the machinery of death and destruction that threatens us all.”

He added, “Those who rarely seek stability in the region should work on the removal of arch terrorists. Not call on both sides to restrain themselves.”  

More Retaliation Planned

The Reuters news agency reported that top Iranian officials would meet. With representatives of Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen in attendance.

The meeting was to discuss potential retaliation against Israel. Following the killings of Shukr and Haniyeh.

A senior Iranian official said this. “Iran and the resistance members will conduct a thorough assessment after the meeting in Tehran. To find the best and most effective way to retaliate against the Zionist regime.”

Tomer Bar is an Israeli air force chief. He said, “Hundreds of aerial defense soldiers, along with air control personnel, are stationed across the country. With the best systems, ready to carry out their mission.”

New EMP Weapon?

As if all the fighting and threats are not enough, there’s a new wrinkle to consider. Hezbollah may be seeking a new EMP weapon.

The Jerusalem Post published a report from the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida. It says Iran has supplied electromagnetic ordnance. To Hezbollah and other Iranian proxy forces.

It is reportedly capable of disabling communications systems. And shutting down radars.

A defense industry company CEO said he suspects it would target Israeli bases. Plus strategic facilities, desalination systems, and the power grid.

Drone Would Emit This Weapon

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) would be the delivery system of such a weapon.

The front of this drone would be armed with an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) activation mechanism. Instead of a kinetic warhead with gunpowder.

It would be triggered during the flight. And would emit an EMP upon contact with the target.

But please note that commentary around such a weapon is speculative. There is currently no official documentation about the reality of such a weapon.

Not Even Cockroaches Would Survive

The danger that such a potential weapon poses is astronomical. In Israel, electronic processors manage and operate all vital systems.

Including infrastructure, medical system, security, and military applications. This unconventional weapon of war could cause great upheaval.

Back in the Sixties, we would hear that only cockroaches could survive a nuclear war.

Today, “cockroach” is a nickname for electronic components in electrical circuits. These cockroaches would not survive an EMP attack.     

Let’s hope and pray for peace in the Middle East.