Hezbollah has increased attacks against Israel in the past two weeks following the massacre by Hamas on October 7.
Hezbollah's attacks are a result of Iran's desire to create a multi-front war in the Middle East. Hezbollah is willing to risk civilian towns and villages in southern Lebanon, as it has done in the past, to threaten Israel.
Similar to Hamas in Gaza this means it uses urban areas to hide its weapons and carry out attacks and then slip into the rural urban landscape, Israeli analyst Seth Frentzman said in an analysis for the Jerusalem Post.
A report in The National in the UAE revealed how Hezbollah has damaged this region in its two weeks of escalation. This included anti-tank fire and the use of rockets, mortars and small arms fire.
"Since the 2006 war, this has been the safest place in Lebanon, the most peaceful place in Lebanon," says Imad Laloush, mayor of Ain Ebel, according to The National report.
Ain Ebel is often described as the only Christian town in the area, although there is another village down the road that also has Christians. Both of these areas are close to the Israeli border and close to Bid Jbeil.
"Ain Ebel stands in contrast to most of southern Lebanon, which has a strong Shiite majority and is one of Hezbollah's main power bases. The city's residents are largely Christian and support Hezbollah's biggest political rival , the Lebanese Forces," the report said.
The National also notes that many of the children and women have now left the city due to the sanctions. Threats by Iran-backed Hezbollah have also prompted Israel to evacuate communities across the border.
This is the result of Iran in the region, damaging communities and forcing citizens to leave so that Tehran wins while locals in Israel and Lebanon suffer. It turns out that Hezbollah has terrorized this area before. A local resident disappeared several months ago and Hezbollah was blamed.
Another report from the Alma Research and Education Center said local Christians in another village had also complained about the situation.
"A letter from the Christian residents of Ramis [Rmeis] expresses fear of future escalation on the Lebanon-Israel border. Clashes between Hezbollah and the residents of Ramis have recently intensified - after Hezbollah has been trying to build military infrastructure in the town," the report states.
In this report, it is also noted that women and children have left the city. The men who remained have complained of possible looting. Poor people appeal to the government for support.
However, the Lebanese government has let Hezbollah control southern Lebanon and attack Israel with impunity, endangering Christians and other minorities in Lebanon.
